Pacman Frog
Ceratophrys cranwelli
Pacman Frogs are among the most distinctive and entertaining amphibians in the pet trade. Named for their enormous, round mouths that seem to take up half their body — reminiscent of the classic arcade character — these stout, colorful frogs are native to the humid forests and grasslands of South America. They are ambush predators that spend most of their time partially buried in moist substrate, waiting for prey to wander within striking distance. Available in a range of vibrant color forms including green, albino, strawberry, and fantasy, Pacman Frogs are visually striking and easy to care for. They require a simple terrestrial setup with deep, moist substrate, moderate warmth, and a diet of appropriately sized insects and occasional pinky mice. While they are not a species you handle frequently, their feeding response alone makes them a fascinating pet to keep and observe.
Habitat
Humid tropical and subtropical grasslands
Diet
Insects, earthworms, occasional pinky mice
Lifespan
10–15 years
Difficulty
beginner
Recommended Products
Everything you need to create the perfect habitat for your Pacman Frog.
Accessories
Exo Terra Water Dish (Small)
Shallow water dish for soaking. Pacman Frogs absorb water through their skin, so a clean, shallow dish available at all times is vital.
Exo Terra Plantation Soil (3-Pack Compressed Bricks)
Backup coconut fiber bricks for quick substrate refreshes. Keep a pack on hand so you can replace soiled substrate in minutes during routine cage maintenance.
Zoo Med Repti Fogger Terrarium Humidifier
Ultrasonic fogger that produces a cool mist to maintain high humidity. Pacman Frogs need 60 to 80 percent humidity, and a fogger helps achieve that effortlessly.
Govee Bluetooth Hygrometer Thermometer (2-Pack)
Wireless temperature and humidity monitor essential for tracking the warm, humid conditions Pacman Frogs require. Logs data to your phone for trend monitoring.
Zoo Med HygroTherm Humidity & Temperature Controller
Combined humidity and temperature controller that automates misting and heating. Takes the guesswork out of maintaining a tropical amphibian enclosure.
Enclosures
Sterilite 28-Quart Storage Box (Modified)
Budget-friendly plastic enclosure commonly used by breeders and hobbyists. Drill ventilation holes in the lid, add substrate, and you have a simple, functional Pacman Frog habitat.
REPTI ZOO 10-Gallon Glass Reptile Terrarium
Compact front-opening glass tank suited for a single Pacman Frog. The low profile matches their sedentary, ground-dwelling lifestyle perfectly.
Exo Terra Glass Terrarium 24x18x12"
Spacious front-opening terrarium that gives your Pacman Frog extra floor space for a more naturalistic setup. The additional room allows for a larger water dish and deeper substrate.
Exo Terra Glass Terrarium 18x18x12"
Low-profile front-opening enclosure with good floor space for a Pacman Frog. The 12-inch height is sufficient since these frogs spend most of their time on the ground.
Food
Crickets — Live (250 Count, Medium)
Staple feeder insects for younger Pacman Frogs. Gut-load with nutritious vegetables and dust with calcium powder before each feeding.
Nightcrawlers — Live Earthworms (50 Count)
One of the best staple foods for Pacman Frogs. Earthworms are nutritious, readily accepted, and easy to portion for frogs of any size.
Dubia Roaches — Medium (100 Count)
Protein-rich feeder insects that make an excellent part of a Pacman Frog's varied diet. Dust with calcium before feeding.
Hornworms — Live (12 Count)
Soft-bodied, high-moisture caterpillars that Pacman Frogs devour enthusiastically. Their high water content helps keep your frog hydrated between soaking sessions.
Heating
Fluker's Ceramic Heat Emitter 60W
Low-wattage ceramic heater for rooms that run cool. Provides gentle ambient warmth without light, keeping your Pacman Frog comfortable at night.
Arcadia Deep Heat Projector 50W
Emits deep infrared heat that gently warms the substrate and frog. A more natural heating option than heat mats, especially for species that burrow into substrate.
Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Temperature Controller
Thermostat to regulate the heat mat and prevent overheating. Amphibians are especially sensitive to temperature extremes.
Zoo Med Repti Therm Under Tank Heater (Medium)
Gentle under-tank heating pad that maintains the 75 to 82 degree range Pacman Frogs prefer. Place under one side of the tank to create a thermal gradient.
Lighting
Zoo Med Naturalistic Terrarium Hood 12"
Compact fixture for mounting a compact fluorescent or LED bulb above the enclosure. Provides a clean, low-profile lighting solution for smaller Pacman Frog setups.
Zoo Med NatureSun Full-Spectrum Daylight Lamp
Provides a natural light cycle without intense UV. Pacman Frogs do not require UVB but benefit from a consistent day-night photoperiod.
Arcadia Jungle Dawn LED Bar 13W
Full-spectrum LED light for establishing a day-night cycle and illuminating your frog's enclosure. Pacman Frogs do not need UVB but benefit from consistent photoperiods.
Arcadia ShadeDweller ProT5 UVB Kit 7%
Low-output UVB kit that provides gentle ultraviolet exposure. While not strictly required, emerging research suggests amphibians may benefit from mild UVB access.
Substrate
Sphagnum Moss — Long Fiber (1 Qt)
Layer over coconut fiber to boost humidity retention. Also creates a soft, naturalistic surface for the frog to sit on.
ABG Mix — Bioactive Substrate (4 Qt)
Tropical bioactive substrate blend with tree fern fiber, charcoal, and sphagnum. Supports a self-cleaning bioactive setup when combined with springtails and isopods.
Galapagos Tropicoco Soil (8 Qt)
Fine coconut coir soil that holds moisture well and allows easy burrowing. Pacman Frogs spend most of their time partially buried, so a soft, diggable substrate is essential.
Zoo Med Eco Earth Coconut Fiber (3-Pack)
Coconut fiber substrate that holds humidity and allows the frog to burrow comfortably. Keep it consistently moist but never waterlogged.