Pacman Frog is a low-maintenance and interesting pet that could be the perfect choice for you. With its round body, wide mouth, and bold personality, it looks like something out of a cartoon—but it’s 100% real.
I will guide you on how to care for a Pacman Frog as a pet, covering everything from lifespan and diet to cleaning and fun activities.
Where Does the Pacman Frog Come From?
The Pacman Frog, also known as Ceratophrys ornata, comes from South America. It lives in warm, rainy places like:
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Uruguay
- Paraguay
These frogs are found in rainforests, grassy areas, and wet places, where the air is warm and a bit wet. They are sit-and-wait hunters, which means they stay still and wait for food to come close before quickly catching it—just like the video game character Pac-Man, which is how they got their name.
Lifespan of a Pet Pacman Frog
One of the best things about this frog is how long a pet Pacman Frog can live.
- In nature, they live around 5–7 years.
- As pets, with proper care, they can live 10 to 15 years
To enjoy a long life, your Pacman Frog needs a good environment, clean water, and a healthy diet. Having one is a big responsibility, just like having a cat or dog.
Pacman Frog Habitat Setup Guide
Creating the right living space is essential. Let’s explore a full Pacman Frog habitat setup guide:
Tank Size
- A 10 to 20-gallon tank works great for one adult Pacman Frog.
- They aren’t very active, so floor space matters more than height.
Best Bedding for Pac-Man Tank
Pick a flooring that stays a little wet and lets your frog dig and hide.
- Coconut fiber (like Eco Earth)
- Soft green moss
- Organic, chemical-free soil
Don’t use gravel or sand, because if your frog eats it by mistake, it can cause health problems.
Temperature & Humidity
Understanding Pacman Frog humidity and temperature requirements is key:
- Day temp: 75–85°F (24–29°C)
- Night temp: 70°F (21°C)
- Humidity: 60–80%
Spray the tank daily and use a digital hygrometer and thermometer to monitor.
Lighting
They don’t need special UVB lights. Just keep a normal day-night cycle for comfort.
Decor & Hides
Add natural things like small wooden branches, hiding spots, or plants. Pacman Frogs love to hide, and it helps them feel calm.
What Do Pacman Frogs Eat in Captivity?
One of the most common questions is What do Pacman Frogs eat in captivity? These frogs are carnivores and love live food.
- Diet Includes:
- Crickets
- Dubia roaches
- Earthworms
- Mealworms
- Waxworms (as a treat)
- Pinkie mice (occasionally for adults only)
Pacman Frogs Feeding Schedule and Tips
- Juveniles: Feed daily l
- Adults: Feed every 2–3 days
Dust their food with calcium + vitamin D3 to prevent metabolic bone disease.
Pro Tip: Use long tweezers or a feeding stick so your frog doesn’t bite you. Pacman Frogs have a strong bite.
How to Clean a Frog Tank
Wondering how to clean a Pacman Frog Tank? Cleanliness helps prevent disease.
Daily:
- Remove uneaten insects
- Clean water bowl
- Spray the frog’s tank with water
Weekly:
- Pick out any dirty spots from the tank floor
- Look for mold or bad smells
Monthly Deep Clean:
- Move the frog to a safe container
- Take out all the flooring from the tank.
- Wash the tank with reptile-safe cleaner
- Rinse and dry everything
- Put in new flooring for the tank.
Clean water and a clean tank will keep your frog healthy and happy.
Fun Activities for Your Pacman Frog
Pacman Frogs aren’t very playful, but they still enjoy things that keep them active and happy. Here are fun activities for Pacman Frogs:
- Live feeding: It helps them act like they do in nature when hunting.
- Digging: Let your frog dig and hide in soft bedding.
- Move things around: Changing the plants or hiding spots gives your frog something new to check out.
You can’t teach them tricks, but you’ll love watching them hunt or chill in their hideout.
Can Pacman Frogs Live Together?
No, they should always be housed alone.
They don’t like sharing space and will try to eat smaller frogs—even other Pacman Frogs. Never risk putting two in the same tank, even temporarily.
Common Health Problems in Pacman Frogs
Like all pets, Pacman Frogs can face health issues. Here are some common health problems in Pacman Frogs:
Getting Too Fat (Obesity)
Happens when you feed your frog too much. Give the right amount of food and skip insects that are too fatty.
Tummy Blockage (Impaction)
It can happen if your frog eats hard flooring or food that’s too big. Use soft, easy-to-digest flooring and give food that’s the right size.
Red-Leg Disease
A bacterial infection that makes their legs red and causes them to be very tired or not move much. See a vet quickly.
Shedding Issues
Low humidity can cause dry skin or incomplete shedding. Keep the tank a bit wet.
Essential Supplies for Pacman Frog Care
Before you bring your new frog home, here’s a quick shopping list:
- 10–20 gallon terrarium
- Soft bedding like coconut dirt or green moss
- A small water bowl
- Long tweezers to feed your frog
- Digital tools to check temperature and humidity
- Powder with calcium and vitamin D3 for strong bones
- A place to hide, like a small shelter or half a log
- Live bugs for food (like crickets or worms)
FAQs About Pacman Frogs
Do Pacman Frogs bite?
Yes, they have strong jaws, so be careful during feeding or handling.
Can I handle my Pacman Frog?
Only when necessary. Their skin absorbs oils and chemicals, so always wear gloves.
Are Pac-Man frogs noisy?
Males may croak or call, especially during the rainy season. Females are usually silent.
Are Pac-Man frogs poisonous?
No, they are not poisonous. However, always wash your hands after touching them or their tank.
Fun Facts About Pacman Frogs
- They can eat animals that are almost the same size as their own body.
- Female Pacman Frogs are larger than males.
- They can change color slightly depending on stress and temperature.
- Some Pacman Frogs go into brumation (a hibernation-like state) during winter.
Final Thoughts
The Pacman Frog is a fun and unique pet. You can’t cuddle it, but it’s still really cool. If you take good care of it, give it the right home and food, your frog can live a long and happy life.