Pacman Frog, Ornate Argentinian Horned Frog

Pacman Frogs belong to the Neo-batrachia family, are characterized by huge mouth and abdomen. This specie is a native of South America, terrestrial in nature and a very poor swimmer. They are around 6 in. in diameter and have the same size in length. These frogs come in a variety of colors and shades ranging from dark brown to green to red and yellow. The males have a spotted chest which the females do not possess. The name Pacman is based on their huge appearance, specially the body and mouth. Interestingly, the popular video game is also based on these species.

Their mouths are as wide as their head. And there is very little demarcation between the wide head and body. The wide mouth is equipped with strong gripping jaws and pink fleshy tongue. It has thin short legs which helps them to quickly grab and kill its prey. Average life span is around six years but known to have lived for 14 years under captivity.

Pacman Frogs have enormous appetite, commonly feeding on crickets, earthworms, silk worms and occasionally on mice and wax worms. At times they also consume reptiles, such as small snakes and rats. They can swallow the animals but a sharp row of teeth in their upper jaw makes it impossible for them to release their prey. So, if their prey happens to be larger in size, death by choking is a common phenomenon.

These frogs are inhabitants of humid environment and much of their time in the wild is spent on damp leaf. They are aggressive by nature, hence not known to cohabit with partners or in groups. They sleep with their eyes open and have sensitive skin which acts as their breathing organ. When temperature becomes extreme either way, the frogs aestivate. During such periods of partial hibernation, these species neither eat or drink. Instead of shedding skin, they retain it which hardens to form a protective skin layer. At this stage the frogs are generally not disturbed.

These frogs are common pets. They are kept in aquariums with a suggested water level of 10 gallons with a substrate of loose moss and plants which replicates their natural environment. As they prefer humid environment, the temperature of aquariums must be kept between 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. A tight lid is recommended for the aquariums as they tend to escape.

As pets, the small Pacman frogs should be fed daily. But the larger specimen, which are voracious eaters should be fed mice or fish every two to three days alternately. Feeding is generally based on the frogs’ body condition. If they are getting too plump or rotund, their feeding has to be reduced.

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