Argentine Horned Frogs (Ceratophrys ornata)
Erica Livingston, CVT
Natural History
Argentine Horned frogs, also called Ornate Horned frogs, Wide Mouth frogs, Pacman frogs, and Bell Horned frogs, are found throughout Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. These animals are found in the woodlands near water (generally shallow water as they are exceptionally poor swimmers) and believed to be water guardians according to folklore.
Description
This is one of the hardiest species of frog available in the pet industry! Males are generally 4-4.5 inches long while females grow up to 6 inches long. Both genders are all mouth! The name “horned frog” came from the large fleshy mounds over their upper eyelids that resemble horns. Horned frogs generally live 7-10 years with proper care. Large mouths, large skulls make and peculiarly small limbs lends this stocky frog a comical look. Both genders have teeth like projections called odontoids in their mouth which help them capture prey as they are ambush predators. Colors range from bright green with reddish markings to markings being brown. Albinos have been created both accidentally and by design as well. Some Argentine Horned frogs are also bred for a brown blotchy pattern over a tan background.
Feeding
Horned frogs have a strong sense of sight and will eat anything that fits in their mouths and attempt to eat items that do not. Captive adults are frequently fed earth worms, crickets, super worms, roaches, and fuzzy mice (feed sparingly once or twice a month). In the wild, these animals are known to eat other amphibians, rodents, Insects, and small reptiles. Horned frogs are prone to obesity especially those fed large amounts of rodents. Young Pacmans should be fed every other day generally what they can eat in 10-15 minutes (usually 3-4 good sized prey items). Sub-adults and adults should be fed 3 times a week in the same manner.
It is not recommended to feed Horned frogs from your hand as they have a powerful and painful bite. Placing the food in a dish or on a flat rock is a better option. Feeding with forceps is a very popular method as well. Calcium supplementation should be added to the food weekly and a multivitamin supplement every 2 weeks.
Enclosures
These frogs should always be housed alone due to their tendency towards cannibalism. A 10-15 gallon aquarium or equivalent sized container such as a Sterilite or Rubbermaid bin is generally acceptable for both genders. Many keepers find that using non-conventional enclosure such as plastic storage boxes is not only easier to maneuver in their homes but also less stressful for the animal due to the opaque nature of the sides. Juveniles under 3 inches can easily be maintained in a 5 gallon aquarium or similar sized plastic container.
Substrate
Paper towel is by far the easiest to clean and cheapest substrate to use. However, it must be changed daily and doesn’t offer any aesthetics. Top soil it a common substrate providing a naturalistic look to the enclosure as well as offering the frog a chance to burrow under leaving only their eyes exposed in some cases. Soil must be spot cleaned daily and completely changed out every 2 weeks to prevent bacteria and fungus build-up. Moistened terry cloth towels are also utilized for substrate since they can be easily changed out. However, a few back ups will be needed and the towels must be washed and dried WITHOUT fabric softener preferably. The substrate needs to be moistened at all times with dechlorinated water. Tap water that has been dechlorinated chemically or “aged” is perfectly fine. Avoid distilled water due to the lack of minerals in the water.
Temperature
Pacmans frogs can be easily maintained in 77-82F ambient temperatures. At night, the temperature can drop as low as 72F. Heating the enclosure is easily achieved using under tank heaters mounted on the side of the tank. Heat cable, heat tape, and other methods of heating can be utilized as well. Basking lights are contraindicated. The temperature should be maintained with the use of a thermostat and monitored with a thermometer at the level of the substrate. Moss is an excellent way to keep frogs moist but care must be taken that it is changed frequently and is in a place where the frog will not accidentally ingest it attempting to eat.
Humidity
Humidity is extremely important to the health of Pacman frogs. The humidity in the enclosure should be maintained around 60-80%. This is easily checked with a hygrometer and maintained with a hydrostat. Frequent misting, moistening of the substrate, large water bowls, and foggers can all be used to maintain higher levels of humidity.
Lighting
Argentine Horned frogs do not have many lighting requirements. They require a light cycle of 10 hours of light and 14 of darkness. An ultraviolet (UVB) light such as a ReptiGlo or a ReptiSun 2.0 can be utilized and is recommended.
Enrichment
Water bowls should be kept shallow to prevent accidental drowning as these frogs are extremely poor swimmers. The water ideally should only be high enough for the frog to submerge itself if desired. Water should be changed at least daily and only clean, dechlorinated water should be used. Never use distilled water as this will cause health problems in frogs! A hide box created from things as simple as a half a plastic flower pot, should be offered to provide a secure place for the frog. Live plants can be easily uprooted by these powerful diggers and should be potted separately if placed in the enclosure. Fake foliage such as silk leaves can be used without problems and pose the benefit of being easily cleaned.
Sources and Suggested Reading
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 847-329-8709.
Argentine Horned frogs, also called Ornate Horned frogs, Wide Mouth frogs, Pacman frogs, and Bell Horned frogs, are found throughout Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. These animals are found in the woodlands near water (generally shallow water as they are exceptionally poor swimmers) and believed to be water guardians according to folklore.
Description
This is one of the hardiest species of frog available in the pet industry! Males are generally 4-4.5 inches long while females grow up to 6 inches long. Both genders are all mouth! The name “horned frog” came from the large fleshy mounds over their upper eyelids that resemble horns. Horned frogs generally live 7-10 years with proper care. Large mouths, large skulls make and peculiarly small limbs lends this stocky frog a comical look. Both genders have teeth like projections called odontoids in their mouth which help them capture prey as they are ambush predators. Colors range from bright green with reddish markings to markings being brown. Albinos have been created both accidentally and by design as well. Some Argentine Horned frogs are also bred for a brown blotchy pattern over a tan background.
Feeding
Horned frogs have a strong sense of sight and will eat anything that fits in their mouths and attempt to eat items that do not. Captive adults are frequently fed earth worms, crickets, super worms, roaches, and fuzzy mice (feed sparingly once or twice a month). In the wild, these animals are known to eat other amphibians, rodents, Insects, and small reptiles. Horned frogs are prone to obesity especially those fed large amounts of rodents. Young Pacmans should be fed every other day generally what they can eat in 10-15 minutes (usually 3-4 good sized prey items). Sub-adults and adults should be fed 3 times a week in the same manner.
It is not recommended to feed Horned frogs from your hand as they have a powerful and painful bite. Placing the food in a dish or on a flat rock is a better option. Feeding with forceps is a very popular method as well. Calcium supplementation should be added to the food weekly and a multivitamin supplement every 2 weeks.
Enclosures
These frogs should always be housed alone due to their tendency towards cannibalism. A 10-15 gallon aquarium or equivalent sized container such as a Sterilite or Rubbermaid bin is generally acceptable for both genders. Many keepers find that using non-conventional enclosure such as plastic storage boxes is not only easier to maneuver in their homes but also less stressful for the animal due to the opaque nature of the sides. Juveniles under 3 inches can easily be maintained in a 5 gallon aquarium or similar sized plastic container.
Substrate
Paper towel is by far the easiest to clean and cheapest substrate to use. However, it must be changed daily and doesn’t offer any aesthetics. Top soil it a common substrate providing a naturalistic look to the enclosure as well as offering the frog a chance to burrow under leaving only their eyes exposed in some cases. Soil must be spot cleaned daily and completely changed out every 2 weeks to prevent bacteria and fungus build-up. Moistened terry cloth towels are also utilized for substrate since they can be easily changed out. However, a few back ups will be needed and the towels must be washed and dried WITHOUT fabric softener preferably. The substrate needs to be moistened at all times with dechlorinated water. Tap water that has been dechlorinated chemically or “aged” is perfectly fine. Avoid distilled water due to the lack of minerals in the water.
Temperature
Pacmans frogs can be easily maintained in 77-82F ambient temperatures. At night, the temperature can drop as low as 72F. Heating the enclosure is easily achieved using under tank heaters mounted on the side of the tank. Heat cable, heat tape, and other methods of heating can be utilized as well. Basking lights are contraindicated. The temperature should be maintained with the use of a thermostat and monitored with a thermometer at the level of the substrate. Moss is an excellent way to keep frogs moist but care must be taken that it is changed frequently and is in a place where the frog will not accidentally ingest it attempting to eat.
Humidity
Humidity is extremely important to the health of Pacman frogs. The humidity in the enclosure should be maintained around 60-80%. This is easily checked with a hygrometer and maintained with a hydrostat. Frequent misting, moistening of the substrate, large water bowls, and foggers can all be used to maintain higher levels of humidity.
Lighting
Argentine Horned frogs do not have many lighting requirements. They require a light cycle of 10 hours of light and 14 of darkness. An ultraviolet (UVB) light such as a ReptiGlo or a ReptiSun 2.0 can be utilized and is recommended.
Enrichment
Water bowls should be kept shallow to prevent accidental drowning as these frogs are extremely poor swimmers. The water ideally should only be high enough for the frog to submerge itself if desired. Water should be changed at least daily and only clean, dechlorinated water should be used. Never use distilled water as this will cause health problems in frogs! A hide box created from things as simple as a half a plastic flower pot, should be offered to provide a secure place for the frog. Live plants can be easily uprooted by these powerful diggers and should be potted separately if placed in the enclosure. Fake foliage such as silk leaves can be used without problems and pose the benefit of being easily cleaned.
Sources and Suggested Reading
- The Horned Frog Family and the African Bullfrogs, Richard Bartlett, Patricia Bartlett
- Horned Frogs, Ray Hunziker, Raymond E.Hunziker, R. Hunziker
- Quick & Easy Horned Frog Care, Allen R. Both
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 847-329-8709.
