Pac-Man Frog Care
Pac-Man frogs are known by a variety of names including Argentinian horned frog, Bell’s horned frog, and ornate horned frog. These frogs originate from Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay where they live in shallow water puddles. By one year of age, Pac-Man frogs can reach a full-grown size of about 4–7 inches, with females generally larger than males. The average lifespan is 7–15 years.
This species is an opportunistic hunter and will eat its cage mate if hungry or if housed with a smaller amphibian. They should be housed alone for this reason. In general, you should not handle your frog as this can damage the skin and cause irritation. When handling is necessary, use caution as bites from horned frogs can draw blood — always wear powder-free gloves.
Enclosure
These large frogs are not very active and will happily spend a majority of their lives buried under moist substrate. A 20-gallon tank with good ventilation is sufficient in size. Ideal substrates include coconut fiber, sterile potting soil, and sphagnum moss, kept 4–6 inches deep.
- Spot clean daily
- Sift through substrate once weekly
- Replace completely every other week
Hides made from terracotta pot pieces, half logs, PVC pipe, or other materials can be provided to help the frog hide completely from light when desired, while also providing smaller areas of higher humidity within the tank.
Temperature
- Ambient: 70–82°F
- Basking spot: 84–88°F
Temperatures should be measured with a digital thermometer or temperature gun.
Lighting
Provide low-grade UVB (ZooMed 5.0) for approximately 10–12 hours a day.
Humidity
Maintain humidity at 60–80%. Keep substrate moist but never fully soaked, and do not allow it to dry out completely. All water used in the enclosure should be dechlorinated. Provide a shallow, low-sided water bowl at all times.
Diet & Feeding
The diet should consist mostly of live insects — crickets, earthworms, and roaches should be the main prey items. Frozen/thawed pinky mice can be offered occasionally but can cause obesity and related disease if given too frequently. Take care to avoid substrate ingestion during feeding to prevent gastrointestinal impaction.
- Juveniles: feed daily
- Adults: feed once or twice a week
Supplementation schedule:
- Vitamin/mineral mix with D3 (e.g., Zoo Med Reptivite) — once weekly
- Calcium without D3 (e.g., Zoo Med Repti Cal) — 2–3 times weekly while growing; with every meal as an adult
Wellness & Preventive Care
We recommend a yearly fecal sample check and a yearly exam to monitor the health of this species. Monitor for changes in appetite, energy, skin color, wounds, or any other concerning changes. Contact our office for an appointment if any of these signs are seen.
