# How Long Do Pacman Frogs Live?

> Pacman Frog lifespan is typically 6–10 years, longer in captivity. What shortens or extends life, life stages, and status (Near Threatened).

- **Species:** Pacman Frog (*Ceratophrys ornata*)
- **Conservation status:** Near Threatened
- **Diet:** Carnivore (insects, small vertebrates)
- **Habitat:** Grasslands and wetlands
- **Lifespan:** 6–10 years, longer in captivity
- **Canonical HTML:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/pacman-frog/how-long-do-pacman-frog-live/
- **Parent profile:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/pacman-frog/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Quick answer

The Pacman frog (Ceratophrys ornata) is a round, big-mouthed horned frog from the grasslands and wetlands of South America, named for its resemblance to the arcade character. It reaches about 10 to 15 cm and up to 0.3 kg, with females much larger than males. It is a sit-and-wait ambush predator that buries itself and lunges at almost anything that passes. Listed as Near Threatened, it can live six to ten years, and longer in captivity.

## Who should skip this page

Skip this if you need a prognosis for one named animal. This page is a species lifespan range.

## Appearance and identification

The Pacman frog is almost as wide as it is long, a squat, rounded amphibian dominated by an enormous mouth. Adults reach roughly 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in) in body length and up to about 0.3 kg, with females noticeably larger and heavier than males. Colours range from bright green to brown, tan, and red, often blotched to mimic leaf litter. Small horn-like projections above the eyes give the group its other name, the ornate horned frog.

## Help protect the Pacman Frog

The pacman frog is listed as Near Threatened, with habitat loss the leading threat to its future.

[Donate to protect habitat](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/appeals/habitats/)

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/pacman-frog/how-long-do-pacman-frog-live/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.