Argentine Horned Frog
A large, round-bodied frog with a huge mouth and horn-like bumps above the eyes, famously aggressive and 'ambush' predator.
Overview
A large, round-bodied frog with a huge mouth and horn-like bumps above the eyes, famously aggressive and 'ambush' predator. A popular pet known as 'Pacman frog'.
History & Origin
The horned frog is native to Argentina / South America. It belongs to the family Ceratophryidae, a lineage of amphibians distributed across those regions and kept both in the wild and by specialist keepers.
Appearance & Size
Argentine Horned Frog is a large (10–15 cm) frog.
Temperament
Generally hardy and tolerant of gentle handling when raised in captivity, though individual temperament varies.
Care & Husbandry
Horned frogs (Pacman frogs) are ambush predators with enormous mouths; they need a humid terrarium with a water bowl, soft substrate for burrowing and a diet of crickets, worms and occasional small rodents. They are sedentary, hardy and famously aggressive feeders—handle minimally and never co-house.
Health & Lifespan
Robust but prone to obesity and impaction from overfeeding; mouth rot can follow poor hygiene. Provide correct temps and never feed overly large prey. In captivity a healthy individual may live around 10–15 years.
Popularity & Recognition
Horned frogs—'Pacman frogs'—are iconic pet amphibians with their cavernous mouths and sit-and-wait ambush style; Cranwell's and Argentine horned frogs dominate the hobby.
