The Pacman Frog (Ceratophrys species) is a large terrestrial South American frog named for the round shape and enormous mouth that recalls the video game character.
Coming soon. Subscribe to the newsletter to get notified when this video drops.
The Pacman Frog (Ceratophrys species) is a large terrestrial South American frog named for the round shape and enormous mouth that recalls the video game character. Almost entirely sit-and-wait predators, Pacman Frogs spend their lives partially buried, ambushing anything that moves past — including unwary aquarium mates.
Multiple species in the Ceratophrys genus, native to South America. Spend most of life partly buried.
Adults 10–18 cm length (females larger). Round body, enormous head and mouth.
Colours: green, brown, yellow, albino, blue, lemon-blue, "fantasy" hybrids.
Not for handling. Bites can be powerful — Pacman Frogs latch and don't let go.
Minimum: 40 × 30 × 30 cm — Pacman Frogs don't move much.
Provide:
Carnivore. Insects (large crickets, dubia roaches, hornworms), occasional mice for adults. Feed weekly.
Calcium + D3 supplement on prey.
6–10 years.
Common concerns:
Pros: small space, low maintenance, striking appearance. Cons: sedentary (mostly buried), can bite.
Why "Pacman"? The round body and oversized mouth resemble the video game character.
Do they really eat anything? Almost. Insects, frogs, lizards, small mice. Never house with anything they can fit in their mouth — including other Pacman Frogs.
How long do they live? 6–10 years.
Are they good for kids? Older children — for observation, not handling.
The Pacman Frog — The Round Ambush Predator
10–11 minutes
Bright green pacman frog with huge mouth visible. Caption: "ALL MOUTH".
Studio photograph of a bright green Pacman frog (Ceratophrys) with its characteristic huge mouth slightly open, round stocky body, prominent eyes, sitting on moist substrate, soft jungle-green background, gentle natural lighting, 85mm lens at f/2.5, professional pet amphibian photography.
The Pacman frog is a large round South American horned frog with an enormous mouth and an ambush-predator lifestyle. Today: complete Pacman frog care.
⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro Hook 01:00 Origin: South American Wetlands 02:30 Setup: Simple Tropical Vivarium 04:00 Diet: Carnivore, Whole Prey 05:30 Handling: Observation Only 07:00 Health: Impaction, Skin, MBD 08:30 3 Biggest Mistakes New Owners Make 10:00 Is a Pacman Right For You? 11:00 Outro
🔔 Subscribe for a new species each week.
"Pacman frogs are large round South American horned frogs. They are ambush predators that spend most of their lives partially buried, waiting for prey to walk past their enormous mouths. They are also one of the easiest amphibians to keep correctly. Today: complete Pacman care."
"Several species in the genus Ceratophrys, including the ornate horned frog and Cranwell's horned frog. Native to South American wetlands. Captive-bred extensively. Many colour morphs exist."
"Tank: 40 × 40 × 40 cm for one adult. Substrate: damp coconut fibre or sphagnum. Temperature: 24–28°C day, 21–24°C night. Humidity: 60–80%. Shallow water dish — large enough for the frog to soak but not deep. Hides and live or fake plants. Single housing — Pacman frogs eat tank mates."
"Carnivore. Whole prey. Insects: crickets, dubia roaches, hornworms. Occasional whole prey: fish, pinkie mice (avoid in juveniles). Feeding schedule: juveniles every 2 days, adults weekly. Dust feeders with calcium and vitamin."
"Pacman frogs should be handled only when necessary. Their skin absorbs chemicals through contact. Wet hands with dechlorinated water before any handling. Beware the bite — Pacman frogs strike at anything that moves."
"Lifespan 6–10 years. Impaction from inappropriate substrate. Metabolic bone disease from poor calcium. Skin infections from poor humidity or contamination. Find an exotics vet."
"Mistake one: gravel or sand substrate. Impaction. How to avoid: coconut fibre or sphagnum. Mistake two: overfeeding. Obesity. How to avoid: adult feeding weekly only. Mistake three: handling without wet hands. How to avoid: wet dechlorinated hands always."
"Checklist: 40 cm tank. Whole prey feeding feasible. Humidity control. Exotics vet identified. 6-10 year commitment. Tick four — Pacman frogs are excellent."
"That is the Pacman frog — round, hungry, ambush specialist. One of the easiest amphibians to keep. Next species? Comment below. Subscribe and the bell. Next week: the White's tree frog — the gentle arboreal." (End screen: subscribe button, 'watch next: White's Tree Frog' thumbnail, channel logo)