Horned Frog (Pacman Frog)
The round, colorful, impossibly wide-mouthed frog that looks like a living Pokémon. Perfect for beginners, fascinating to observe, and one of the most popular pet amphibians worldwide. Complete care guide.
📋 Species Overview
🏠 Habitat Setup
- 10-gallon (40L) terrarium minimum for one adult. Floor space matters more than height — they're burrowers, not climbers.
- Substrate: 5–8 cm (2–3 inches) of coconut fiber (eco earth) — holds moisture and allows burrowing.
- Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F) daytime, slight drop at night. Under-tank heater on one side.
- Humidity: 60–80%. Mist daily with dechlorinated water. Provide a shallow water dish.
- Lighting: No UVB required (they're nocturnal ambush predators). Low-wattage LED for day/night cycle.
🍽️ Diet: The Ultimate Ambush Predator
Pacman frogs are voracious, sit-and-wait predators. They eat anything that moves and fits in their enormous mouth: crickets, nightcrawlers, dubia roaches, hornworms, and occasional pinkie mice for large adults. Feed juveniles daily, adults every 2–3 days. Dust prey with calcium + D3 at every feeding. ⚠️ Never feed wild-caught insects — parasites and pesticides. They WILL try to eat your fingers — use feeding tongs.
🖐️ Handling: DON'T
Pacman frogs are display pets, not handling pets. Their skin absorbs everything — oils, lotions, soap residue on your hands can make them sick. They also bite — hard. They have sharp teeth and a powerful jaw. If you must handle, use powder-free vinyl gloves moistened with dechlorinated water.