Horned Frog: A Snake-eating Ambush Predator With Tiny Teeth

Argentine horned frog — This amphibian isn't terribly picky about which animal it eats for lunch. Eric Isselee / Shutterstock

The horned frog (also called the horned toad or ornate horned frog) belongs to the genus Ceratophrys, a group of amphibians native to South America.

With its fat body, camouflaged coloring and horn-like eye ridges, this frog is built for ambush.

It doesn’t hop much. It waits. And when food comes close, it lunges with a giant mouth that takes up most of its body.

What Is a Horned Frog?

It’s an amphibian, just like other frogs. The most well-known species is Ceratophrys ornata, or the Argentine horned frog. This frog can grow as large as 6.5 in (16 cm) and weigh over 1.1 lb (0.5 kg).

Those "horns" are actually just skin folds above the eyes. They help the frog blend into leaf litter, especially in dry summer months when it stays buried in sand or soil to conserve moisture.

Feeding and Hunting Style

Horned frogs aren’t picky eaters. In the wild, they’ll eat insects, other frogs, rodents, lizards and even snakes. Their wide jaws let them swallow prey nearly as big as they are. In captivity, keepers often feed them crickets, mice, and specially formulated commercial food.

A horned frog won’t chase down a meal; they rely on camouflage and stillness.

They wait motionless, then strike fast with a powerful grasp. Those tiny teeth and strong jaws can make a serious dent in prey—or a careless finger.

Horned Frog Life Cycle

Horned frogs start life as eggs laid in water. After hatching, the tadpoles grow quickly, transforming into adults in just a few weeks. Males tend to be smaller and more vocal. Females grow larger and often live longer.

In captivity, a well-cared-for horned frog can live up to 10 years. General care involves a humid environment, regular feeding and careful monitoring. These frogs aren’t active pets but are popular for their bold looks and impressive feeding habits.

4 Horned Frog Fun Facts

Their nickname "Pacman frog" comes from the video game character—big mouth, round body and nonstop eating
Ceratophrys species can bite hard enough to draw blood
A horned frog's skin color can shift slightly with its mood or environment
Writer Philippe de Vosjoli helped popularize horned frogs in his care books on amphibians and reptiles

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.