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Horned Frog (Pacman Frog)
BeginnerRound body and huge mouth like Pac-Man. Ambush predator that lunges at food. Can be kept in small space.
Difficulty
Beginner
Temperature
25〜32℃
Lifespan
5-10 years
Size
8-15cm
Humidity
40〜70%
Diet
Crickets, mice, artificial diet
About
Horned frogs of the genus Ceratophrys, commonly known as Pac-Man frogs, are stout, round-bodied frogs native to South America, including Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. Their enormous mouths, which can span nearly half their body width, and rotund shape give them their popular nickname. They are ambush predators that remain motionless and lunge at prey — including insects, small rodents, and other frogs — that venture within reach. Body coloration varies by species and morph, ranging from bright green and yellow to albino and chocolate brown. Horned frogs are widely kept as pets due to their compact size, low activity requirements, and ease of care. They can be housed in relatively small enclosures and are considered beginner-friendly amphibians. Adults typically measure 8–15 cm in body diameter.
Basic Info
Origin
South America (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay)
Lifespan
5-10 years
Size
8-15cm
Temperature
25〜32℃
Humidity
40〜70%
Diet
Crickets, mice, artificial diet
Care Guide
Enclosure
Plastic case OK. 2-3x body size
Care Specifications
AggressiveSolitaryBreeding: Hard
Sources: Wikipedia ツノガエル属
Captive Breeding
Egg-laying
- Clutch size
- 1000〜2000
- Incubation days
- 2〜3 days
- Sexual maturity
- 18〜24 mo
Breeding season: Breeding can be induced year-round by simulating rainy-season onset after a dry-season estivation period (rain chamber or frequent misting).
Breeding notes
This species is an amphibian; eggs are deposited in shallow water rather than buried in substrate. Prior to breeding, a ~2-month estivation period at reduced temperature (~21 °C / 70 °F) and low humidity is required. Simulating rainy-season onset via a rain chamber or heavy misting then triggers mating and egg deposition within days. Eggs hatch in 2–3 days in shallow water at approximately 24–25 °C; tadpoles complete metamorphosis in 3–5 weeks. Tadpoles are highly cannibalistic and must be reared individually.
Breeding requires planning, proper husbandry, and responsibility. These figures are general guidelines.
Sources: SeaWorld / United Parks – South American Ornate Horned Frog (Ceratophrys ornata) Facts / Wagner E (1996) Breeding Horned Frogs. Reptiles 4(4):12–14, archived at Anapsid.org
Morphs (Varieties)
ツノガエル属(Ceratophrys、流通の主力はクランウェルツノガエル C. cranwelli)の色モルフ。アルビノは劣性。ストロベリー/ストロベリーパイナップル/アプリコット/ミントグリーン/ハイレッドはアルビノ由来等の選別色系統(line-bred)。
RecessiveVisual only with two copies; one copy = het (carrier).
Albino
Line-bredEstablished by selective line breeding.
StrawberryStrawberry PineappleApricotMint GreenHigh-Red
Sources: The Frog Ranch - Color Morphs / More Reptiles - Pacman Frog Morphs
A curated selection of notable morphs. Inheritance modes are a breeding-planning guide; actual appearance varies with combos.
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: br-choku editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listed
Sources: CITES Checklist (Ceratophrys 属 掲載なし)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Horned Frog (Pacman Frog) Listings
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