Feeling Froggy

Pac Man Frog Care Guide

Ceratophrys Cranwelli

Last updated: October 22, 2025

The Cranwell’s Horned Frog (Ceratophrys cranwelli) — commonly known as the Pac-Man Frog — is a large, terrestrial species native to the Chaco region of Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia. Named for their round body and oversized mouth, these ambush predators spend most of their time partially buried in damp substrate, waiting for prey to pass by.

Pac-Man frogs are available in a wide range of color morphs, including albino, strawberry, apricot, green, and patternless variants. They are hardy, long-lived, and thrive in captive environments when their heat and humidity needs are met. Adults can grow up to 4–5 inches in diameter and may live 10–15 years with proper care.

While not social animals, they are an excellent display species due to their bold appearance and relatively simple husbandry. Handling should be minimal, as their skin is delicate and can absorb harmful substances from human hands.

Ceratophrys cranwelli Cranwelli Care Guide

Housing Requirements

  • Terrarium Size: A single adult should be housed in a 24″W × 18″D × 12″H or larger enclosure (e.g., front-opening Exo Terra). Juveniles can start in smaller enclosures but require upgrades as they grow.
  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C) during the day, 68-72°F (20-22°C) at night
  • Humidity: 80-100% relative humidity
  • Lighting: UVB lighting recommended, 12-hour day/night cycle

Substrate & Environment

  • Use coconut fiber (Eco Earth), sphagnum moss, or ABG mix kept evenly moist but not waterlogged.
  • Provide 2–3 inches of depth to allow burrowing behavior.
  • Add a sturdy shallow water dish large enough for soaking; replace water daily.
  • Maintain moderate ventilation to prevent mold while retaining humidity. Front-opening enclosures are ideal for access and airflow control.

Diet & Feeding

  • Feed appropriately sized prey: crickets, roaches, nightcrawlers, silkworms, or tong-fed thawed pinky mice (occasionally).
  • Juveniles: feed daily (Constantly); Adults: feed 2–3 times per week.Cricket/roach pinheads for larger specimens
  • Use calcium and vitamin dusting on all feedings; alternate between calcium and multivitamin powders.

Behavior & Temperament

  • Ambush predator — remains still and lunges at moving prey.
  • May inflate its body and bite defensively; never handle unnecessarily.
  • Each frog has a unique feeding response — tong-feeding can help prevent substrate ingestion.

Breeding

  • Breeding information coming soon.
  • In the wild, breeding follows heavy seasonal rains, with males calling loudly at night. Tadpoles develop rapidly in shallow, warm water but require separation to prevent cannibalism.

Special Notes

  • Use only dechlorinated or RO water for misting and soaking.
  • Avoid substrate ingestion by tong-feeding or feeding on flat surfaces.
  • Regularly clean the enclosure to prevent bacterial buildup
  • Long-term health depends on consistent humidity and correct temperatures — avoid overheating.

See live availability + full details at Pac Man Frog on Feeling Froggy.