# Pacman Frog (*Ceratophrys ornata*) > 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. - **Category:** Amphibian - **Conservation status (IUCN):** Near Threatened - **Range:** Grasslands and wetlands of Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. - **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/pacman-frog/ - **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16 ## Scientific classification - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Amphibia - **Order:** Anura - **Family:** Ceratophryidae - **Genus:** Ceratophrys ## Facts at a glance | Attribute | Value | | --- | --- | | Scientific name | Ceratophrys ornata | | Diet | Carnivore (insects, small vertebrates) | | Habitat | Grasslands and wetlands | | Lifespan | 6–10 years, longer in captivity | | Length | 10–15 cm (4–6 in) body length | | Weight | Up to about 0.3 kg (0.7 lb) | | Conservation status | Near Threatened (IUCN) | ## 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. ## Ambush hunting and diet This is a classic sit-and-wait ambush predator that buries itself in soil or leaf litter with only its eyes and mouth exposed. When prey wanders within reach it lunges and engulfs it in a single powerful gulp, gripping with tooth-like projections in the jaw. It is a carnivore with an enormous appetite, taking insects, worms, other frogs, lizards, small rodents, and even prey nearly its own size. Its motto is essentially to swallow first, and Pacman frogs will sometimes attempt meals too large to manage. ## Habitat and lifestyle Ceratophrys ornata lives in the grasslands and wetlands of Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil, favouring damp, low-lying ground. It is largely sedentary, spending most of its time partly buried and waiting for food rather than roaming. During dry spells it can form a protective cocoon of shed skin and remain dormant underground until rain returns. This low-energy lifestyle suits an animal built around ambush rather than pursuit. ## Reproduction and life cycle Breeding is triggered by heavy seasonal rains, when temporary pools form across the grasslands. Males call to attract females, which lay large clutches of eggs in the water. The tadpoles are aggressive and carnivorous, preying on other tadpoles and even one another as they develop. After metamorphosis the tiny froglets take on the ambush lifestyle of the adults, growing quickly if food is plentiful. ## Lifespan and in captivity In the wild Pacman frogs generally live six to ten years, and well-kept captive animals often live longer. Their hardiness, striking looks, and undemanding, sedentary habits have made them popular in the pet trade. Keepers must take care with feeding, as the frogs will overeat readily and are prone to obesity. Their willingness to bite anything that moves also means they are best watched rather than handled. ## Conservation status The Pacman frog is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, with populations under pressure across parts of its range. Habitat loss from the conversion of grassland and wetland to agriculture is the main concern, along with collection for the pet trade. Because it depends on seasonal pools to breed, changes to water and land use hit it hard. Protecting intact grassland and wetland habitat is central to its future. ## Frequently asked questions ### Why is it called a Pacman frog? The name comes from its round shape and huge mouth, which recall the arcade character Pac-Man. It is also known as the ornate horned frog after the small horn-like projections above its eyes. ### What do Pacman frogs eat? They are carnivores with a large appetite, eating insects, worms, other frogs, lizards, and small rodents. As sit-and-wait ambush predators they lunge at almost anything that moves within reach, sometimes attempting prey nearly their own size. ### How big do Pacman frogs get? Adults reach about 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in) in body length and up to roughly 0.3 kg. Females are considerably larger and heavier than males. ### How long do Pacman frogs live? In the wild they typically live six to ten years, and captive individuals often live longer with good care. Careful feeding matters, as they overeat readily and can become obese. ### Where do Pacman frogs live? They inhabit the grasslands and wetlands of South America, including Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. They spend most of their lives partly buried, waiting to ambush passing prey. ### Are Pacman frogs endangered? They are listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN. Habitat loss from agriculture and collection for the pet trade are the main pressures on wild populations. ## Sources - [IUCN Red List — Ceratophrys ornata.](https://www.iucnredlist.org/search?query=Ceratophrys%20ornata&searchType=species) - [Animal Diversity Web — Ceratophrys ornata. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ceratophrys_ornata/) - [Wikipedia — Pacman Frog.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentine_horned_frog) --- Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/pacman-frog/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.