Western
New York Herpetological Society
www.wnyherp.org
©
2001 - 2002 by Western New York Herpetological Society
This
document is for guidance only and should not be used as the sole source of
information. New information is being developed daily. It is recommended that a
concerted effort be made to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the animals of
interest.
Common Name:
South American Ornate Horned Frog
Latin Name:
Ceratophrys ornata
Commonly called:
Pac Man Frog
Native to:
Tropical Rainforests of South America
Lifespan:
Normally around 6 years. Have lived up to 12 years in captivity
General Appearance:
Large, fat frogs, seem to consist of two parts, a stomach and a mouth and
appear to be designed solely to eat. They are often very colorful, usually
green with dark red to black markings along their back, females slightly larger
than males. Usually round in shape, with a mouth disportionately larger than
the body appearing to look like Pac Man characters, this is one of the few
frogs that do have teeth. Males grow to about 7 inches, females 9 inches.
Housing requirements:
Enclosure:
Minimum 10 gallon aquarium, with a lid.
Temperature:
Prefer 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit
Heat/Light:
These frogs do best in a 9-12 hour photoperiod. Longer periods may cause
them to stop eating. Fluorescent is preferred because incandescent may dry out
the skin.
Substrates:
The tank can be lined with paper towels, aquarium gravel, reptile bark or
Astroturf with clumps of sphagnum moss and artificial or live plants. Frogs are
very sensitive so make sure products used are reptile safe.
Environment:
Must have a shallow bowl of water where it will spend most of its time.
Have enough loose material to simulate the loose leaves in the forest for
hiding spots. High humidity is required
so mist daily.
Diet:
Feed a variety of crickets, fish and mice. Juveniles should be fed every
2 – 3 days. Adults should be fed once a week and then every 10 – 14 days, as it
grows older. It is important to not feed prey
items that are too large. Offered food should be no larger than half the
size of the frog. Use a
vitamin and calcium supplement once weekly with juvenile frogs and every
3 – 4 weeks with
adults. Crickets can be put in the aquarium and fish may be placed in the
water dish or you can use small tongs or tweezers to hold the prey items in
front of the frog.
Note: These frogs will tend to bite anything that moves. Never use
you bare hands when feeding to avoid bites. Many frogs are killed when a hand
is quickly drawn away from a bite and the frog is flung against a wall.
Maintenance:
Periodically clean out dead crickets and cricket parts. Water should be
freshened daily if evaporating and changed at least once a week. Handlers are
advised to wash hands thoroughly after handling animals or animal related products.