Pacman frog

A Pacman frog is any member of the family Neobatrachia with a characteristically large mouth and abdomen, thus resembling the video game character Pac-Man. Pacman frogs are considered Horned Frogs and the majority are endemic to South America. The prototypical example of a Pacman frog is the Argentine horned frog.

Size

Full grown Pacman frogs can reach sizes up to 35 inches in diameter and are generally as wide as they are long. There are several common variations in color including Albino, dark brown, green, and red. In addition, Albino pacman frogs are even a brilliant yellow color which may be the specific cause of the name origin.

Gender differentiation

A female "Pacman frog" will not "chirp", or "croak", whereas a male specimen of the same species will. Males frequently have spotted chests.

Care in captivity

In captivity, these frogs can live in a 10 gallon aquarium for their entire lives. They should be given shallow water, loose substrate (like coconut husk fiber), and hiding places. They will commonly cover themselves with substrate or just sit contently in the water. Pacmans should be misted daily to ensure proper humidity. Temperatures should be maintained between 75° and 80° Fahrenheit (24° to 27° Celsius) during the day, dropping a few degrees at night.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of a Pacman frog is about 6 years, but they have been known to live up to 14 years in captivity.

Diet

They are voracious eaters, often eating insects, small mammals (such as mice), fish, other frogs, and small reptiles. A fully grown female Argentine Horned Frog (females are generally larger than males) can easily eat a grown rat.

Although these frogs can swallow animals almost half their size, they sometimes attempt to eat things larger than they are. A row of sharp teeth in their upper jaw makes it nearly impossible for them to release prey after taking it in their mouth, in some cases leading to death by choking.

Pacman frog species

Argentine horned frog (Ceratophrys ornata)
Cranwell's horned frog (Ceratophrys cranwelli)

Gallery

A young Pacman frog
This is an Albino Pacman Frog, young and lively. Unsure whether male or female at its stage in development.
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This is also an Albino Pacman Frog, with brilliant yellow color
This Albino pacman frog is 6 months old.