Pacman Frog Care Sheet

 

Care Level: Beginner
Appearance: Varies by species and color morph
Size: 2 to 8 inches, depending on sex and species. Females are much larger than males. 
Social Behavior: Solitary creatures (one per enclosure)
Interaction: Best left undisturbed

Overview of Pac-Man Frogs

Pac-Man frogs, also known as Horned frogs. They display a wide variety of colors and patterns. These frogs are resilient and relatively easy to care for, making them a fantastic choice for beginner herpetoculturists.

Size and Growth

Juveniles: Usually sold when about the size of a quarter.

Adults: Fully grown within 12 to 18 months.

 

Males: Typically reach 2.5 to 4 inches in length.
Females: Larger, measuring 4 to 7 inches in length.

Lifespan

In captivity, Pac-Man frogs can thrive for up to 15 years when provided with optimal care.

Habitat Requirements

Pac-Man frogs are ambush predators that prefer spending most of their time buried in their substrate, with only their eyes (and sometimes their horns) visible. A spacious enclosure isn’t necessary for these sedentary amphibians.

Enclosure Size:

 

For juveniles: Small plastic reptile habitats are sufficient.
For adults: 10 to 20-gallon tanks are recommended.

Substrate:

Use coconut fiber or similar substrates that retain moisture and allow burrowing. Keep it moist but avoid waterlogging.

Water Bowl:

While not essential if the substrate is kept damp, a shallow water dish can be provided.

Hiding Areas:

Incorporate natural hides or live plants like Pothos to offer shelter and support waste decomposition.

Temperature Range:

Maintain a steady 72–78°F environment.

Diet and Feeding

Pac-Man frogs are voracious feeders with a diverse diet.

Primary Diet:

Crickets and roaches are excellent staple foods. Lab made diets are commonly available now, and are also a good choice.

Occasional Treats:

        Include worms, fish, or even small mice for larger individuals.

Feeding Frequency:

Adjust portions based on the frog’s size and activity level. Avoid overfeeding; a healthy frog should look plump but not swollen.

Brumation Behavior:

When conditions cool or dry out, frogs may enter a brumation state and stop eating temporarily.

Supplementation:

Enhance nutrition by dusting prey with a vitamin and mineral supplement for amphibians.

Interaction and Temperament

Pac-Man frogs have small teeth and can deliver a noticeable bite if handled improperly. Exercise caution and limit direct contact.
These amphibians are highly sensitive to stress caused by handling, so interactions should be minimal and only when necessary.

Behavior

Solitary Lifestyle:

They do not tolerate tank mates, as they may attack or attempt to consume them.

Dormant Encasing:

In dry or food-scarce conditions, frogs form a protective outer layer to prevent dehydration. This may resemble death, but they will rehydrate and shed this layer once optimal conditions return.