Quick facts
- Scientific name: Ceratophrys (several species and hybrids)
- Adult size: about 4–7 inches (females are bigger)
- Lifespan: 10–15 years
- Difficulty: beginner
Enclosure
Pacman frogs sit and wait, so they don't need much room. A 10–20 gallon tank works for one adult.
Keep one frog per enclosure. They will try to eat each other.
- Deep, moist substrate to burrow in
- A shallow water dish
- Live or fake plants for cover
Temperature
Use a heat mat on the side of the tank or a low-wattage lamp, always on a thermostat.
- Day: about 75–82°F
- Night: no lower than the upper 60s
Lighting & UVB
Low-level UVB is helpful but not required. Keep a gentle 12-hour day/night cycle. Avoid bright, hot lights.
Humidity
Aim for about 60–80%. Mist with dechlorinated water. If they get too dry, they can seal themselves in a skin cocoon and stop eating.
Substrate
Use 2–4 inches of moist coconut fiber or a soil mix. Keep it damp, not soggy.
- No gravel or small stones; frogs swallow them
Diet & feeding
Feed insects like crickets, roaches and worms, dusted with calcium. Use tongs.
Young frogs eat every 1–2 days. Adults eat about once a week. Rodents are an occasional treat at most, since they lead to obesity.
Water
Always use dechlorinated water. Frogs absorb water through their skin, so chemicals in tap water can hurt them. Change the dish daily.
Handling
Keep handling to a minimum. Their skin is delicate, and they bite hard. Use clean, wet hands with no lotion or soap residue.
Common problems & the vet
If something seems off, see a vet who treats amphibians.
- Blocked gut: from swallowing substrate
- Obesity: too much food or too many rodents
- Red belly or legs: a bacterial infection that needs a vet fast
- Dull, dry skin and no appetite: check humidity and water
Questions about your setup? Stop by and ask us.
