Argentine Horned Frog
Ceratophrys ornata
Conservation Status
Near ThreatenedAmphibia · Anura · Ceratophryidae
About
The Argentine horned frog, also known as the Argentine wide-mouthed frog, ornate horned frog, ornate horned toad, ornate pacman frog, or just the pacman frog, is a species of frog in the family Ceratophryidae. The species is endemic to South America. It is the most common species of horned frog, in the grasslands of Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. A voracious eater, it will attempt to swallow anything that moves close to its wide mouth, such as insects, rodents, passerine birds, snakes, lizards, and other frogs, even if this predator would suffocate in the process. It is also kept as an exotic pet. The nickname "pacman frog" is a reference to the popular 1980's arcade game Pac-Man, where Pac-Man himself eats quite a lot, and has a mouth that takes up most of its body, much like the Argentine horned frog.
Fun Fact
The Argentine horned frog has a bite force proportional to its body size that rivals many large predators — it will attempt to eat anything it can fit in its enormous mouth.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Endemic to South America.
Diet
Eat anything that can fit in their mouths and some things that can't.
Lifespan
7 years (captivity)
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance