Named after the iconic video game Pac-Man it’s their large mouth and relatively substantial size that earned them their nickname. Also known as the horned frog, because its eyes are positioned in a way that resembles horns. Pacman frogs refer to the genus of frogs belonging to the family Ceratophryidae.
There are around 9 known sub-species with different characteristics that make them stand out. Out of the 9 known sub-species, Ceratophrys cranwelli and Ceratophrys ornata are the two most commonly found species at one’s home as they make up for one of the best pets.
Another reason why Pacman Frogs can be considered as your pet option is their higher chance of survival when domesticated and taken care of. In the wild, they are known to live only up to 1-4 years but when provided with a suitable environment, they can live up to 10-15 years.
We have compiled a detailed description of the Pacman Frog, including whether or not they have teeth. While their behavior remains the same, subspecies do have differences in their habitats. We have for reference, taken Cranwell’s horned frog here for better understanding.
Pacman Frogs
1. About it
| Scientific Name | Ceratophrys cranwelli |
| Common Name | Cranwell’s horned frog |
| Size | 8–13 cm |
| Habitat | Damp and humid forests |
| Location | Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil |
| Diet | Feed mostly on insects and similar-sized animals. |
| Predators | Birds, snakes, bears, and sometimes other Pacman frogs |
| Color | Dark green and brown coloration on the back. |
| Weight | 0.5 kg (1.1 lb.) |
| Life Span | 10-15 years with proper care |
| Price | 1700-4000 INR, while some morphs can go up to 5000 INR or more |
| About it | Nocturnal carnivores with the ability to prey on animals as big as them |
2. Do Pacman Frogs Have Teeth?
While it’s uncommon for frogs to possess teeth, Pacman frogs have sharp teeth designed for hunting and gripping their prey. These small teeth are located on their upper jaw and are primarily used for grasping their prey. They possess both vomerine and maxillary teeth.
That being said, if a Pacman frog is large enough, it can also inflict serious harm on humans.
Pacman frogs have specialized teeth that help them catch and hold on to their prey.
- Vomerine Teeth: Located in the front part of the mouth, these teeth are sharp and help the frog grip its prey.
- Maxillary Teeth: Found on the sides of the upper jaw, maxillary teeth are also sharp and assist in prey capture.
Despite all of this, Pacman frogs are among the most popular pet frogs to own.
3. Do Pacman Frogs Bite?
Thanks to their sharp teeth, they do not shy away from biting when threatened as a defense mechanism. This might come as a surprise as they are considered to be one of the best pets to have.
This might happen as they sometimes mistake fingers for food, due to their poor eyesight.
Therefore, it is advised to take precautions such as feeding with tongs or gloves can help reduce the chances of being bitten.
4. Is Pacman Frog’s bite strong?
Pacman frogs are known to possess one of the strongest bite forces among frogs. Even smaller Pacman frogs can exert a strong bite force of up to 30 Newtons, which is equivalent to 6.5 pounds.
Larger horned frogs can produce even more force, with some reaching up to 500 Newtons of bite force. Researchers have found a direct correlation between the size of the frog and the bite force.
5. Does the bite hurt?
Now that we know the Pacman Frog can injure its prey and sometimes also humans, a bite from a Pacman frog can be uncomfortable but is generally not excessively painful for humans.
The level of discomfort varies depending on factors such as the frog’s size and bite force. While these bites can draw blood, they rarely cause significant damage or severe pain to humans. Moreover, it’s the surprise of the bite that takes its prey aback.
6. Pacman Frog’s diet:
Pacman frogs are carnivores and feed on a variety of animals. Some of them are Gut-loaded Crickets, Earthworms, Small Mice, and Feeder Fish, and if in the wild they also tend to show cannibalistic behavior.
If you have a Pacman Frog as your pet, it is important to dust their prey with calcium supplements. It is important to note that a young Pacman frog should be fed every 1-2 days, while an adult can be fed once every 4-7 days.
7. How to take care of your Pacman Frog?
While taking care of your Pacman Frog, it is important to take care of its needs and requirements.
- Tank Size: It is important to have a tank large enough for the frog to move around and live comfortably. A 10–20-gallon tank is suitable for a single adult frog.
- Environment: In its natural habitat, a Pacman frog prefers a damp and humid environment. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain an optimum temperature of around 75-85°F (24-29°C). An ideal humidity level is considered to be approximately 60-80%.
- Handling: Avoid petting or handling your Pacman Frog too often as they tend to mistake your finger for their prey. If you do handle them, make sure you handle them with care and gentleness.
- Hydration: It is necessary to provide them with a shallow, non-chlorinated water dish for your frog to drink from and soak in. Anything too deep can result in accidental drowning.
- Substrate: A substrate helps in maintaining the humidity and water content in the enclosure. Hence, it is important to choose an appropriate substrate. A good substrate would be coconut coir, peat moss, or something similar. It is also important to replace the substrate every 2-3 months to maintain cleanliness.
Ever wondered why the Pacman Frogs are considered to be one of the best pets to have? They are not only aesthetic but also beginner-friendly. It is their low-maintenance nature that makes them easy for beginners to handle. They are hardy and can thrive for up to 10-15 years when provided with the right environment and care.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Pacman frogs can be a great idea for your house and low-maintenance pets; however, it is important to provide them with an appropriate habitat, a balanced diet, and proper care to ensure their well-being.
Your Pacman frog’s health and happiness can be greatly improved if you take the time to provide it with the appropriate environmental conditions and handle it with caution.
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cranwell%27s_horned_frog
- https://www.petco.com/content/petco/PetcoStore/en_US/pet-services/resource-center/caresheets/pac-man-frog.html
- https://www.thesprucepets.com/pacman-frogs-as-pets-1236716
- https://thereptileroom.net/do-pacman-frogs-bite/#Are_Pacman_Frogs_Poisonous_or_Venomous
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Hi everyone, my name is Shawna, and I’ve always been fascinated by the fascinating diversity of flora and fauna that our nature has in it. I am currently studying biotechnology and am particularly interested in animal biotechnology, delving into the intricate processes that define their true nature and uniqueness.