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Ornate Horned Frog (Ceratophrys ornata) Species Profile: Stats & Facts About the Pac-Man Frog
Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith
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Ceratophrys ornata

horned frog
Quick Stats:   Ornate Horned Frog

Family: Leptodactylidae
Origin: South America; mainly Argentina
Size: Male; to 7" Female; to 9"
Diet: Juveniles: nutrient-loaded crickets with supplemental small earth worms, silk worms, and meal worms. Older juveniles: may add an occasional pinky mouse and guppy. Adults: may add the occasional mouse and large goldfish. All can be dusted with vitamins. Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity.
Water: Provide clean water at all times in a saucer-shaped dish with a maximum water level at the height of the frog's nostrils. Be sure the frog can easily get in and out of the water
Housing: 10-15 gallon aquarium
Substrate: Damp moss
Decoration: Plastic plants that overhang the water source and provide hiding places; rocks
Lighting: Fluorescent, not incandescent
Temperatures: Air temperature between 78 and 81ºF; use an under-the-tank heater and place the water source over that area so the water is in the warmest part of the enclosure
Humidity: Keep humidity high
Care level: Moderate
Cautions: Can inflict painful bites; handle with extreme care; when feeding, use a forceps, not your fingers, to introduce food into the enclosure

Also known as the Pac-Man Frog, the Ornate Horned Frog's color variations are tan and brown, green and brown, and albino. It has been compared to Budgett's Frog (Lepidobatrachus laeuis), Pixie Frog, Mouse Eating Frog, and African Bull Frogs (Pyxicephalus adspersus). The Ornate Horned Frog grows rapidly, reaching a size of six inches by 5-6 months of age.

It is best not to handle the Ornate Horned Frog; it is an observation "pet." It is generally not compatible with other tank inhabitants. The most important thing to remember with this frog is that it needs fresh, clean water at all times. If this is not provided, the frog is likely to develop a bacterial infection, which will eventually kill the frog. The frog's normal life span is 7-9 years with proper care.

These frogs do best with a 9 to 12-hour photoperiod. Longer periods of light may cause them to stop eating. Fluorescent bulbs are preferred over incandescent light because the latter may dry out their skin.

Adult males are smaller, sometimes with loose, dark-bearded throats, and nuptial pads on their inner thumbs. Females have no beard.

Babies and juveniles must be kept separately. Larger frogs will prey on smaller frogs.

Click here for a pdf version of this article.  See related products at DrsFosterSmith.com Pet Supplies  
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