Description
About Pacman Frogs
Pacman frogs, also recognized as Horned Frogs, are among the most famous pet frogs. They are native to the damp and humid forests of South America. Pacman frogs are strictly terrestrial (land dwellers) amphibians and are very bad swimmers. They spend most of their time in a humid environment among damp leaf litter or partially burrowed under some form of substrate. They are named Pacman frogs after ‘Pac-Man’, the popular video game character they resemble. Pacman frogs come in many different colours and patterns.
Traits & Behaviour
Pacman frogs are inactive and sedentary animals. They do not move around, explore, or even actively hunt for their food. A Pacman frog will attempt to eat anything that moves within striking distance of where it sits on the ground. They are ambush predators and any prey that walks by is fair game for this hungry frog. From small insects to rodents, as long as it can fit in its mouth, it is food.
Environment
Housing: Pacman frogs do not require a large cage because they are not very active. A 2 feet tank is acceptable for one of these frogs. Make sure their enclosure is well ventilated to prevent mould from growing.
Bedding: A substrate of 3 – 4″ should be provided. Coconut fibre, plantation soil, or sphagnum moss is best as it is easy for frogs to bury under and that will help maintain humidity. Leaf litter can be used on top of the substrate to promote a more natural look. Gravel and rocks are not recommended, as they are abrasive to their delicate skin and may be ingested, leading to fatal gastrointestinal tract obstructions.
Lighting & Heating: Maintain an ambient temperature of 28°C. Heat is best provided using an under-tank heater as overhead incandescent bulbs can be too drying for your frog. Low-level UVB lighting is recommended for 10–12 hours a day.
Humidity: Maintain humidity at 70–80% by misting substrate as needed every day. The substrate should be damp but not wet.
Nutrition
Staple Food: A variety of insects, including crickets, mealworms, Dubia roaches and earthworms can be fed. Adult frogs can be fed with thawed mice. Feed juveniles daily and adults 1–2 times a week.
Supplements: Sprinkle food with a calcium powder supplement containing vitamin D3 daily and a multivitamin supplement once a week.
Water: Clean water should always be freely available in a shallow bowl.
Habitat Maintenance
Daily maintenance should consist of spot cleaning by removing waste and cleaning their water bowl. Remove any leftover food that you find around their enclosure. The entire enclosure should be cleaned every couple of months.
Supply Checklist
Here are some necessary supplies owners will need to keep their Pacmans happy and healthy~
- Appropriate size and well-ventilated enclosure
- Substrate
- Water bowl
- Leaf litter
- UVA/UVB lighting
- Supplements
- Thermometer
- Hygrometer
- Insects
Important Notes
- Pacman frogs must be solitary. These frogs can be cannibalistic when housed together.
- Pacman frogs should only be handled when absolutely necessary. Holding a Pacman frog is very stressful for it and may result in illness. In addition, their skin is susceptible, being a secondary breathing organ. These frogs are not suited for those who like to pick up and handle their pets.
- They can bite if they feel threatened.
- Do not feed and leave live food in their enclosure as it can potentially hurt your frog.
And you’re set! All the best to you and your pet Pacman!
For further enquiries contact us at 03-7733 7469 or drop by our shop and speak to our team!