The Pacman Frog Does Not Say 'Wakka Wakka'

Named for their resemblance to the arcade character, Pacman frogs (Ceratophrys) have incredibly large mouths that take up most of the frog's head.

They're part of the horned frog family and come in shades of green, yellow, brown, and even orange. In the wild, they hide in leaf litter, lying in wait as ambush predators.

Creating a good habitat for your frog is essential. A 10- to 20-gallon terrarium gives enough space for one adult.

Use coconut fiber or sphagnum moss as a substrate to retain humidity and mimic the frog's natural range. Keep temperatures warm (between 24 to 28°C or 75 to 82°F), and mist regularly to maintain proper humidity.

Avoid gravel or sharp decor that could be ingested. Pacman frogs don’t need much furniture but do well with a shallow water bowl to soak in and easy-to-clean surfaces.

Be sure to scrub the tank and wash your hands before and after handling to keep your pet healthy.

These frogs are ambush predators and will eat just about anything that fits in their mouths. A balanced diet includes live insects like crickets and roaches, along with occasional pinky mice for adults. Always provide a nutritious diet, and use calcium and vitamin supplements as needed.

Feeding should happen at night, as Pacman frogs are nocturnal. They use their strong legs to lunge at prey. While their bite isn’t harmful to humans, it can surprise first-time owners.

Pacman frogs are solitary animals and should be housed alone. Males are generally smaller and may call out during the night, while females tend to be larger and quieter. Their lifespan can range from 10 to 15 years with proper care.

These amphibians are easy pets because they don’t require much interaction. Just don’t use your fingers to feed them; tongs are safer for both you and your frog.

Keep the water clean, and monitor for signs of illness (such as cloudy eyes or refusing to eat).

In addition to their comical faces, Pacman frogs come in a variety of morphs and colors. Whether you're drawn to the classic green look or a brighter yellow, there's a species for every aesthetic. Some breeders even offer albino or high-color morphs.

Pacman frogs might not be cuddly, but they make excellent choices for those interested in pets that are low-maintenance but full of personality.

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