Do you want an exotic pet for your home? How about a fantasy Pacman frog? These frogs are becoming increasingly popular as pets, and for a good reason.
They are beautiful creatures that are very easy to care for. This blog post will discuss the basics of caring for a fantasy Pacman frog.
It will cover everything from food to housing to health concerns. Read on if you are thinking about adding a fantasy Pacman frog to your family.
The fantasy pacman frog is an absolutely fascinating amphibian that has recently exploded in popularity in the pet trade. With its unique origins and appearance, as well as its voracious appetite, this frog is truly one of a kind. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about these incredible fantasy pacman frogs so you can decide if this unique pet is right for you.
What Exactly is a Fantasy Pacman Frog?
The fantasy pacman frog is a designer hybrid that was created by crossing two different species of horned frogs the Cranwell’s pacman frog (Ceratophrys cranwelli) and the Surinam horned frog (Ceratophrys cornuta) The result is a stunning mix of traits from both parent species, resulting in a frog that exhibits an incredible diversity of colors, patterns, and often a larger size than pure Cranwell’s
Being a hybrid, fantasy pacman frogs are sterile and cannot reproduce But this has not limited their popularity – their striking appearance and relative ease of care have made them coveted pets
Appearance: A Kaleidoscope of Colors
One of the most appealing aspects of the fantasy pacman is the immense variety of colors and patterns they exhibit Their unique genetic blend results in truly dazzling diversity Some of the most popular color morphs include
- Tricolor – a mix of green, brown, and yellow
- Albino – a bright white or pale yellow
- Red – ranging from orange to a deep berry red
- Chocolate – rich shades of brown
- Green – olive, mint, or emerald shades
In addition to their vibrant colors, fantasy pacmans exhibit unique patterning. Spotted, banded, brindled, and marbled variations exist. No two are exactly alike! Their intriguing colors and patterns make every frog unique.
Size: Generally Larger than Pure Cranwell’s
In addition to their vibrant diversity, fantasy pacman frogs also tend to be a bit larger than pure Cranwell’s pacmans.
- Adult Cranwell’s usually max out at around 5 inches long
- Fantasy pacmans average between 5 to 7 inches long when fully grown
Of course, size can vary depending on factors like genetics, diet, and care. But overall, the hybridization with the larger Surinam horned frog typically results in fantasy pacmans exhibiting a slightly bigger stature. Females also tend to be a bit bigger than males.
Care Tips for Your Fantasy Pacman Frog
While stunning in appearance, fantasy pacman frogs do require some specialized care to keep them healthy and thriving. Here are some key care guidelines:
Housing
- Minimum 20 gallon tank for an adult
- Coconut fiber substrate, at least 2-3 inches deep
- Water bowl big enough for soaking
- Hide box to provide security
Temperature & Humidity
- Daytime highs of 80-85°F
- Nighttime lows of 75-80°F
- Maintain 70-80% humidity
Diet
- Crickets, roaches, worms
- Occasional pinky mice for large adults
- Dust feeders with calcium + D3
Handling
- Minimize handling to prevent stress
- Use gentle scooping method if needed
With the proper setup and care routine, fantasy pacmans can thrive and live 10+ years in captivity. But they do require attentive husbandry to stay healthy.
Common Health Issues
Fantasy pacman frogs are generally quite hardy, but some potential health issues to watch for include:
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Metabolic Bone Disease: Caused by calcium/vitamin D3 deficiency. Signs are weak bones and legs. Prevent with proper supplements.
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Bacterial/Fungal Infections: Usually caused by poor water quality or too much moisture. Maintain excellent hygiene.
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Toxic Out Syndrome: Erratic movements, cloudy eyes. Caused by buildup of toxic substances. Keep their environment pristine.
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Obesity: Overfeeding can cause health problems. Stick to appropriate portion sizes.
Working closely with an exotic vet is recommended if any symptoms of illness emerge. With prompt treatment, most issues can be successfully managed.
Do Fantasy Pacman Frogs Make Good Pets?
So do fantasy pacman frogs make good pets? Here are some key advantages and challenges of keeping these incredible frogs:
Pros
- Striking diversity of colors and patterns
- Lower maintenance than some exotic pets
- Fun to watch ambush and devour food
- Relatively long-lived (10+ years possible)
Cons
- Require carefully managed temperature and humidity
- Tend to be inactive and hide frequently
- Need live food like crickets and worms
- Prone to health issues if care is improper
- Cannot be handled frequently or excessively
Overall, fantasy pacman frogs can make fantastic pets for the right owner – one who is prepared to give them the specialized care and environment they require. Their stunning beauty and fascinating predatory behaviors are definite perks! But they also come with some care demands.
If you’re up for the challenge and ready to immerse yourself in the world of these amazing amphibians, a fantasy pacman frog may just be an incredible addition to your home and family! With their proper needs met, they have so much character and charm to offer.
What is Fantasy Pacman Frogs?
Fantasy Pacman frogs are native to South America. They get their name from their giant mouths, which they use to eat smaller insects and other animals.
These frogs can grow about five inches long, making them a good size for a pet. Fantasy Pacman frogs come in various colors, including green and brown.
Some unique features of this species are:
– They have a loud, croaking call for males
– They can jump high and swim (not a good swimmer)
– They are easy to care for
– They are not aggressive
– They do well in captivity
PACMAN FROG CARE! How to Take Care of a Pacman Frog
FAQ
How big do fantasy Pacman frogs get?
Average Size Shipped – Varies, but generally between 1″ to 2″. Most of our frogs full adult size ranges from 2″ to 5″ with a few exceptions.
How long do fantasy Pacman frogs live?
Difficulty of Care | Beginner |
---|---|
Average Lifespan | 10–15 years with proper care |
Average Adult Size | Males 3–4” long; females 4–8” long |
Diet | Carnivore |
Minimum Habitat Size | 10–20 gallons |
Do Pacman frogs make good pets?
The Pacman frog is great for beginners, as their environment is easy to set up and they have a simple diet.
What size tank should a PacMan frog be in?
A young Horned Frog can be kept in a 5-10 gallon terrarium. A single adult frog can be housed in a 10-20 gallon terrarium with a screen lid.
What is a fantasy pacman frog?
The fantasy Pacman frog is a mix between two Pacman frogs that provide a beautiful coloration with the same temperament as the Pacman frog. These frogs tend to be lazy and spend their time burrowed in the substrate waiting for prey to walk past. Using their large mouths, they clamp down on prey and swallow it whole.
Is a Pacman Frog an exotic pet?
The Fantasy Pacman Frog is an exotic pet that is becoming increasingly popular due to its ease of care and beauty. If you are thinking of adding one to your family, make sure to research and provide a suitable habitat for them to survive for longer years.
Where can I buy a pacman frog?
Whether you buy a snake, lizard, turtle, tortoise, or alligator, we are driven to provide the highest quality live reptiles for sale. BackwaterReptiles.com has beautiful Fantasy Pacman frogs for sale (Ceratophrys hybrid) at unbeatable prices.
Where do Pacman frogs come from?
Pacman frogs come from the humid and warm jungles of Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, and Paraguay. The fantasy Pacman frog is a mix between two Pacman frogs that provide a beautiful coloration with the same temperament as the Pacman frog. These frogs tend to be lazy and spend their time burrowed in the substrate waiting for prey to walk past.
Are fantasy Pacman frogs picky eaters?
The fantasy frog comes in a variety of color morphs with the tricolor being a leading choice. You can buy these frogs in red, tricolor, chocolate, blue, tan, yellow and orange. Fantasy Pacman frog care is the same as other Pacman frogs, but they can be picky eaters, which means you need to take considerable care when it comes to diet.
Where can I buy a pacman frog (Ceratophrys hybrid)?
BackwaterReptiles.com has beautiful Fantasy Pacman frogs for sale (Ceratophrys hybrid) at unbeatable prices. Live arrival guaranteed when you buy a pacman frog from us!