Episode 139. Beginners Guide to Pacman Frog Care

Horned frogs (Also fondly known as "Pacman Frogs" are commonly kept by both beginners and advanced hobbyists. They have relatively simple care  requirements and can make a great entry level amphibian. In this episode, I run down some basic husbandry and care requirements that every pacman frog beginner should be familiar with. 

This week's episode is sponsored by Gray Ghost Creations. For unique amphibian, reptile, and arachnid art, visit https://www.etsy.com/shop/GrayGhostCreations

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Note*  in the substrate portion of this episode I mistakenly referred to Zoo Med as the brand  that makes jungle mix. It is actually made by Zilla. 

Beginner Pacman Frog Checklist:

1. Escape proof enclosure - 2-5 gallons for small froglets, 10 - 20 for subadults and small males 20-30 plus for large adult females

2. Substrate that holds moisture, drains well and is deep enough for frog to burrow (Zilla jungle mix / plantation soil types)

3. Water dish with dechlorinated water for soaking

4. Supplemental Heat / lighting - maintain daytime temp of 78-85 evening drop to low 70s. Use a timer for 12 hour on 12 hour off day / night cycle ( try to provide a gradient with a warm side and a cool side in the enclosure

5. Temp gun / digitial thermometer to monitor tank temps

6. Some sort of hide 

7.  If opting for a naturalistic tank ,pothos and springtails make for a simple beginner setup (always wash plants off well first)

8. Feeders and proper supplements to dust them with

9. If providing UVB use a quality low intensity bulb 

10. Handle only if necessary. Moist nitrile gloves come in handy- otherwise clean, moist oil / lotion free hands only and as little as possible!

11.  Time! remember frogs can live up to 15 years.


If you'd like to dive deeper into beginner care please check out 
Episiode 29. The Great Substrate Debate 
Episode 33. Top Ten Beginner Species Countdown
Episode 117. Top Ten Beginner Mistakes

For additional care info visit Devin Edmond's page at https://amphibiancare.com/2005/06/05/horned-frogs/

For more about wild ceratophrys diet, "What does a Pacman eat? Macrophagy and necrophagy in a generalist predator (Ceratophrys stolzmanni" ) by Szekely, et al. 2019, visit: https://peerj.com/articles/6406/

For more about UVB , "UV-B, Vitamin D3, and amphibian health and behaviour," by Browne et al. 2009  visit: https://www.amphibianark.org/research/Amphibian-UV-B-and-vitamin-D3.pdf

All links are the property of their respective owners. I do not claim authorship of the aforementioned papers / resources.