Western New York Herpetological Society
www.wnyherp.org
© 2001 - 2002 by Western New York Herpetological Society
This document is for guidance only and should not be used as the sole source of information. New information is being developed daily. It is recommend that a
concerted effort be made to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the animals of interest.
Common Name
: South American Ornate Horned Frog, Latin Name: Ceratophrys ornata
Commonly called Pac Man Frog
Native to
: Tropical Rainforests of South America
Lifespan
: Normally around 6 years. Have lived up to 12 years in captivity
General Appearance:
Large, fat frogs, seem to consist of two parts, a stomach and a mouth and appear
to be designed solely to eat. They are often very colorful, usually green with dark red to black
markings along their back, females slightly larger than males. Usually round in shape, with a
mouth disportionately larger than the body appearing to look like Pac Man characters, this is one
of the few frogs that do have teeth. Males grow to about 7 inches, females 9 inches.
Housing requirements:
Enclosure:
Minimum 10 gallon aquarium, with a lid.
Temperature:
Prefer 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit
Heat/Light:
These frogs do best in a 9-12 hour photoperiod. Longer periods may cause them to
stop eating. Fluorescent is preferred because incandescent may dry out the skin.
Substrates:
The tank can be lined with paper towels, aquarium gravel, reptile bark or Astroturf
with clumps of sphagnum moss and artificial or live plants. Frogs are very sensitive so
make sure products used are reptile safe.
Environment:
Must have a shallow bowl of water where it will spend most of its time. Have enough
loose material to simulate the loose leaves in the forest for hiding spots. High humidity is required
so mist daily
Diet:
Feed a variety of crickets, fish and mice. Juveniles should be fed every 2 – 3 days. Adults should be
fed once a week and then every 10 – 14 days, as it grows older. It is important to not feed prey
items that are too large. Offered food should be no larger than half the size of the frog. Use a
vitamin and calcium supplement once weekly with juvenile frogs and every 3 – 4 weeks with
adults.
Crickets can be put in the aquarium and fish may be placed in the water dish or you can use small
tongs or tweezers to hold the prey items in front of the frog.
Note: These frogs will tend to bite
anything that moves. Never use you bare hands when feeding to avoid bites. Many frogs are killed
when a hand is quickly drawn away from a bite and the frog is flung against a wall.
Maintenance:
Periodically clean out dead crickets and cricket parts. Water should be freshened daily if
evaporating and changed at least once a week. Handlers are advised to wash hands thoroughly
after handling animals or animal related products.