If you’re looking for a unique, low-maintenance pet with loads of personality, the Pacman frog may be just the amphibian for you. Known for their round body and wide mouth that resembles the classic video game character, Pacman frogs (genus Ceratophrys) are popular among beginners and experienced keepers alike.
With their bold colors, sedentary lifestyle, and voracious appetite, these frogs can make an entertaining and relatively easy-to-care-for pet – provided you understand their specific needs.
What Is a Pacman Frog?
Pacman frogs are a group of South American horned frogs belonging to the genus Ceratophrys. The most commonly kept species include:
- Ceratophrys cranwelli – Cranwell’s horned frog
- Ceratophrys ornata – Ornate horned frog
- Ceratophrys cornuta – Amazonian horned frog (less common)
They’re named for their huge mouths and round bodies, which give them a cartoon-like appearance reminiscent of Pac-Man.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | 5–10 years (some live over 15) |
| Adult Size | 4–7 inches (females larger) |
| Temperament | Solitary and sedentary |
| Activity Level | Low – mostly nocturnal |
| Tank Size | 10–20 gallons |
| Diet | Carnivorous (insects, small rodents) |
| Temperature | 75–85°F (24–29°C) |
| Humidity | 60–80% |
Housing Your Pacman Frog
🏠 Enclosure Size
A 10-gallon tank is sufficient for a single adult Pacman frog. While they don’t move much, they need room to burrow and stay comfortable. A lid is recommended to maintain humidity and prevent escapes.
🌿 Substrate
- Best options: Coconut fiber (eco earth), sphagnum moss, or organic topsoil (no fertilizers)
- Must be kept moist but not soggy
- Depth should be at least 2–3 inches to allow burrowing
💧 Humidity & Water
Pacman frogs require high humidity levels of 60–80%. Mist daily and monitor with a hygrometer.
- Provide a shallow water dish with dechlorinated water.
- Change water frequently and clean the dish regularly.
🌡 Temperature & Heating
- Daytime: 75–85°F
- Nighttime: Not below 70°F
- Use a ceramic heat emitter, under-tank heater, or low-wattage heat lamp (never use a bright white bulb at night)
Monitor temperature with a reliable digital thermometer.
🌙 Lighting
Pacman frogs do not require special UVB lighting, but a 12-hour day/night cycle is beneficial. Use low-intensity daylight bulbs if needed.
Feeding Your Pacman Frog
These frogs are ambush predators and love to eat. Feed them a variety of appropriately sized prey:
🪲 Diet for Juveniles:
- Crickets
- Small roaches
- Waxworms (occasionally)
- Mealworms (sparingly)
🐭 Diet for Adults:
- Larger crickets
- Dubia roaches
- Earthworms
- Pinkie mice (only occasionally – high fat!)
Feeding frequency:
- Juveniles: Every 1–2 days
- Adults: Every 2–3 days
Always dust prey with calcium and vitamin supplements (with D3 for most indoor-kept frogs) 2–3 times per week.
Handling and Temperament
Pacman frogs are not cuddly pets. They have delicate skin and dislike frequent handling. Some individuals may even try to bite if disturbed.
If you must handle them (e.g., for tank cleaning), always:
- Wash your hands first and after
- Use clean, damp gloves or handle gently with moist hands
- Keep sessions short
They’re best enjoyed as a look-but-don’t-touch pet.
Common Health Issues
| Problem | Symptoms | Causes |
|---|---|---|
| Impaction | No appetite, bloating | Ingesting substrate or oversized prey |
| Red Leg Syndrome | Redness, lethargy | Bacterial infection from poor hygiene |
| Fungal Infections | White patches, shedding issues | High humidity without airflow |
| MBD (Metabolic Bone Disease) | Deformed limbs, lethargy | Lack of calcium or vitamin D3 |
Maintain clean enclosures, avoid feeding overly large prey, and monitor humidity and temperature to prevent these issues.
Breeding (Advanced Keepers)
Pacman frogs can be bred in captivity, though it’s not recommended for beginners. They require:
- A cooling period to simulate dry season
- A rain chamber setup
- Carefully managed temperature and humidity changes
Breeding is loud – males vocalize frequently – and raising tadpoles requires experience.
Pros & Cons of Owning a Pacman Frog
✅ Pros:
- Low maintenance
- Unique and fun to observe
- Long-lived with proper care
- Doesn’t require a large tank
❌ Cons:
- Not interactive or cuddly
- Sensitive to improper humidity
- Can bite if threatened
- Requires live feeding
Is a Pacman Frog Right for You?
Pacman frogs are ideal for:
- Pet owners with limited space
- People looking for a low-maintenance pet
- Beginner herp enthusiasts (with proper research)
- Those who enjoy watching unique behaviors
They’re not ideal for:
- Children who want to handle their pet frequently
- People squeamish about feeding live insects
- Anyone unprepared to manage humidity and temperature consistently
Final Thoughts
The Pacman frog is a quirky and captivating pet that can thrive in the right environment. While they’re not the most interactive companion, they make up for it with their bold appearance, intriguing behaviors, and relatively simple care needs.
With the right setup, regular feeding, and attention to humidity and temperature, your Pacman frog can live a healthy, long life. Just don’t be surprised if they spend most of it buried with only their head showing… waiting for dinner.
