Pacman Frog
Ceratophrys ornata
Quick answer
The Pacman frog, or Argentine horned frog, is a large, round, ground-dwelling frog from South America named for its huge mouth and appetite. It is a sit-and-wait ambush predator that buries itself and swallows almost any animal it can fit in its jaws. Popular as a pet, Pacman frogs can live 6 to 10 years, and longer with good care.
Pacman Frog facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Ceratophrys ornata |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore (insects, small vertebrates) |
| Habitat | Grasslands and wetlands |
| Lifespan | 6–10 years, longer in captivity |
| Length | 10–15 cm (4–6 in) body length |
| Weight | Up to about 0.3 kg (0.7 lb) |
| Conservation status | Near Threatened (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Amphibia |
| Order | Anura |
| Family | Ceratophryidae |
| Genus | Ceratophrys |
Behavior and ambush hunting
Pacman frogs are almost entirely sedentary, spending much of their time half-buried in soil or leaf litter with only the eyes and wide mouth exposed. They wait motionless for prey to wander close, then lunge with a powerful bite. Their enormous mouth gives them their nickname, and they can attempt to swallow animals nearly their own size.
Diet and feeding
These frogs are voracious carnivores that eat insects, spiders, worms, other frogs, small reptiles, and even small mammals. They have tiny tooth-like structures and strong jaws to grip struggling prey. In captivity their appetite is so large that overfeeding and obesity are common problems.
Habitat and range
The Argentine horned frog lives in the grasslands, marshes, and wetlands of Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. It favors damp, low-lying areas where it can burrow into soft ground. During dry spells it can form a protective cocoon of shed skin and lie dormant until rains return.
Conservation and as a pet
The Argentine horned frog is listed as Near Threatened, with wild populations affected by habitat loss, agriculture, and collection for the pet trade. It is one of the most popular pet frogs, and most sold today are captive-bred. Pet Pacman frogs need a humid enclosure with deep substrate for burrowing and a carefully controlled diet.
Frequently asked questions about the Pacman Frog
Why is it called a Pacman frog?
It is named after the video game character because of its round body and enormous, wide mouth that seems to take up much of its face, which it uses to gulp down large prey.
What do Pacman frogs eat?
Pacman frogs are carnivores that eat insects, worms, other frogs, small reptiles, and even small mammals. They are ambush predators that try to swallow almost anything they can fit in their mouth.
How long do Pacman frogs live?
In the wild they generally live 6 to 10 years, and with good care in captivity they can live even longer, sometimes well over a decade.
Are Pacman frogs good pets?
They are popular beginner amphibians because they are hardy and need little space, but they require a humid enclosure with deep substrate for burrowing and careful feeding to avoid obesity. They are best watched rather than handled.
Do Pacman frogs bite?
Yes. Pacman frogs have strong jaws and small tooth-like projections, and a hungry frog may bite a finger that it mistakes for food. The bite is startling but not dangerous to people.
Where do Pacman frogs come from?
The Argentine horned frog comes from the grasslands and wetlands of Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil, where it burrows into soft, damp ground.
