Pac-Man Frog Care

Pac-Man Frog Care Guide

Basic Information

The Pac-Man Frog, also known as the horned frog, has become an increasingly popular choice for a pet due to its unique appearance that resembles the video game character Pac-Man. They come in a wide array of colors and may change appearance as they age. Male pac-man frogs can grow up to 4 inches, while female pac-man frogs can grow up to 6 inches as adults. They are easy to care for and don't require a lot of space, making them a very beginner-friendly pet. Pac-man frogs can live up to 6-10 years in captivity. 

Health

We do not recommend handling Pac-Man frogs. They have sharp teeth and a tendency to jump at their prey, which they can easily see as your hand. There is also a risk that the frog may absorb chemicals and bacteria from your skin, which can lead to illness. These frogs are better observed than handled. If you must handle them, wear powder-free gloves and approach from the sides using a scooping method. Always be quick and gentle, and wash your hands before and after handling. 

Too little humidity in the enclosure can lead to respiratory problems. This can manifest as wheezing and drooling from the frog. Too much moisture can lead to bacterial and mold growth, which can cause infections in frogs, resulting in lethargy and a refusal to eat or drink. Ensure that the humidity levels are at their appropriate levels and adjust daily misting accordingly. 

Enclosures

Pac-Man frogs do not require a large enclosure. A 10-gal or 20-gal tank is recommended, with the focus on length rather than height, as these are terrestrial species that will spend most of their time in the substrate. The top of the tank should feature a screen top to aid with humidity and temperature control, and should have secure clips attached. Provide a few inches of substrate along with some moss and plants for the frog to hide in. Feel free also to include hideaways, such as round cork bark or caves. **Pac-man frogs should be housed alone!

Heating/Lighting

Additional lighting is unnecessary unless the enclosure is kept in a room that does not receive regular daylight. Then you could use a small UV bulb that emits no heat. Pac-man frogs prefer a day/night cycle, so they should have 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of no light to simulate nighttime. UVB lighting is recommended to support the overall health of the frog and should be used in the daytime. 

For heating, these frogs prefer a temperature gradient of 75-80°F during the day and 70-75°F at night. You can achieve this by placing a small heat mat underneath, on either side of the enclosure, and connecting it to a thermometer to provide a temperature gradient within the enclosure. During the day, you can also opt to use a ceramic bulb for heat on one side of the enclosure; however, ensure the light fixture is at a reasonable distance from the frog, as excessive heat can lead to heat stress. The ceramic bulb should not give any additional lighting in the enclosure, as the UVB will be enough. Heat rocks are not recommended as they may cause burns to the frog. 

Substrate

The substrate for a pac-man frog should be able to hold moisture well and be loose enough for burrowing, as they will spend most of their time burrowed. For this reason, we recommend coconut fiber alongside some moss, as they are perfect for these frogs. We also recommend a layer of leaf litter on top for more opportunities for camouflage. **Avoid choosing any substrate that is rough and can damage the frog's delicate skin, as they are known for their sensitive skin. 

Humidity

Pac-Man frogs require a constant humidity between 60 and 80%. Their enclosure should be misted daily with a mister filled with dechlorinated water. The frogs will also use this misting as a way to drink water and stay hydrated. Ensure the substrate is slightly damp, not wet, as excessive water saturation at these temperatures can lead to bacterial and mold growth, which can be detrimental to the frog’s health. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels in the enclosure.

Water

It is recommended to provide a small water dish that the frog can soak in. This will also serve as a supplemental water source, complementing the frequent misting that is done to maintain humidity. The water dish should be cleaned frequently to prevent bacterial growth. **All water should be dechlorinated appropriately before being used in a Pac-Man frog’s enclosure. Use a water conditioner for any drinking and misting water. 

Food

Pac-man frogs should be fed a variety of gut-loaded insects and/or small mice. Gut-loaded insects include dubia roaches, superworms, crickets, and earthworms, which are readily available in most pet stores. These should be dusted with calcium powder and D3 supplements at every feeding session, and multivitamin supplements should be given biweekly. Occasionally, a thawed, frozen mouse can be used for feeding an adult frog. Adult frogs should be fed once a week, while juvenile frogs should be fed 2-3 times a week, depending on size. Always use feeding tongs when handling these frogs, as they may mistake your hand for food, and their bite can be painful. 

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