The Complete Guide to Full Grown Pacman Frogs

Pacman frogs are a fascinating amphibian that make great pets As full grown adults, they reach a surprisingly large size that often surprises new pacman frog owners In this complete guide, we will cover everything you need to know about full grown pacman frogs including how big they get, what factors impact their size, proper habitat setup, feeding guidelines, health concerns, and more.

How Big Do Pacman Frogs Get?

Pacman frogs are very small when you first bring them home as babies. They can be as tiny as the size of a quarter! However with proper care and feeding these little frogs transform into much larger, full grown adults.

On average, a full grown male pacman frog measures 2.5 to 4 inches long (6 to 10 cm). Females tend to be a bit bigger than males. A full grown female pacman frog is usually 4 to 7 inches long (10 to 18 cm).

• Full grown male pacman frog size: 2.5 to 4 inches
• Full grown female pacman frog size: 4 to 7 inches

These size ranges are for their length from head to bottom Pacman frogs are about as wide around as they are long So a 4 inch long pacman will also have a girth of about 4 inches when viewed from above.

While most full grown specimens fall within these size ranges, some exceptional pacman frogs may reach lengths of 8 or 9 inches. The females do tend to be noticeably larger and wider than males on average.

What Impacts the Size of a Full Grown Pacman Frog?

Many factors can influence the final size a pacman frog reaches. Let’s take a look at some of the key elements that affect their growth rate and maximum size.

Breeding and Genetics

A pacman frog’s genetics play a major role in its size potential. Responsible breeders carefully select breeding stock to produce healthy, robust offspring. Pacman frogs from quality breeding lines are more likely reach larger maximum sizes.

Diet and Feeding

Proper nutrition is crucial for pacman frogs to reach their full growth potential. They should be fed a varied, calcium-rich diet with gut loaded insects. Avoid too many fatty feeders like mice to prevent obesity. Adults only need to eat once a week or so, while babies need more frequent small meals.

Environment and Temperatures

Correct temperatures and humidity encourage proper feeding and growth. Avoid too much heat or cold. Ideal temperatures are 75°F to 85°F. Prevent brumation in babies.

Age and Gender

Gender plays a role, with females reaching larger sizes. Age is also a factor, as pacman frogs continue growing for 18-24 months. Older, mature frogs are larger than younger juveniles.

Enclosure Size

While pacman frogs don’t require huge enclosures, cramped housing can restrict growth. Upgrade to a 10-20 gallon tank as your frog matures. More space reduces crowding issues.

Setting Up the Perfect Habitat for Full Grown Pacman Frogs

To keep your pacman frog healthy and allow it to reach its maximum size, it’s important to provide proper housing conditions. Here are some key tips:

• Use a 10-20 gallon tank for full grown frogs. More active juveniles may need an even larger terrarium.

• Maintain temperatures of 75-85°F. Avoid excessive heat. Use an under tank heater and thermometer.

• Keep humidity around 80%. Use damp substrate and regular misting to prevent drying out.

• Coconut fiber, orchid bark, cypress mulch, and soil make great substrates. 3-4 inches deep.

• Include hiding spots like artificial plants, rocks, driftwood, and pothos plants.

• Provide a shallow water dish big enough for soaking. Change water daily.

• Use supplemental lighting on a 12 hour cycle to maintain circadian rhythms.

• Perform partial cleanings daily and full substrate changes monthly. Disinfect with 3% bleach solution.

• Upgrade your pacman frog to larger housing as it matures. More space prevents crowding issues.

Feeding Your Pacman Frog for Proper Growth

Pacman frogs are voracious eaters. Follow these feeding tips to encourage healthy growth:

• Offer juvenile frogs food 2-3 times per week. Dust prey with calcium + D3 supplement.

• Feed adults 1-2 times weekly. Overfeeding can cause obesity.

• Crickets, roaches, worms, small mice, and frog pellets make good staples.

• Gut load feeder insects with nutritious foods for 24-48 hours before feeding out.

• Avoid overfeeding fatty prey items like mice to prevent eye and health issues.

• Use vitamin supplements 1-2 times weekly for variety. Calcium at every meal.

• Always feed adults using tongs. They can mistake fingers for food and bite.

• Soak thawed frozen rodents in warm water before feeding out to frogs.

• Monitor weight and body condition. Adjust feeding frequency if frog becomes obese.

Health Concerns for Full Grown Pacman Frogs

With good care, pacman frogs are quite hardy. But here are some common health issues to watch out for:

Skin Infections: Can result from dirty, wet conditions. Keep tank clean.

Eye Problems: Overfeeding rodents can cause corneal lipidosis. Limit mice.

Broken Bones: Improper nutrition causes metabolic bone disease. Use supplements.

Bloating: May indicate a blockage from swallowing substrate or decor. See a vet.

Toxic Out Syndrome: Caused by absorbing toxins from dirty water or environment. Keep tank clean.

Parasites: More common in wild caught frogs. Quarantine and treat new frogs.

Red Leg: A bacterial infection turning limbs red. Seek veterinary treatment.

Mouth Rot: Cheesy white or red mouth lesions. Isolate frog and consult a vet.

Tips for Handling Full Grown Pacman Frogs

While pacman frogs may appear harmless, their strong jaws and bite force should not be underestimated. Follow these tips to safely handle your frog:

• Limit handling to reduce risk of injury to you or stress to your frog.

• Always wash hands thoroughly before and after handling.

• Use moistened, powder-free gloves to provide a barrier. Avoid lotions, soaps.

• Never grab pacman frogs tightly or restrict their movement during handling.

• Scoop up larger frogs gently from underneath, supporting their body weight. Avoid legs.

• Move slowly and calmly to avoid startling your frog during handling.

• Ideally, handle frogs over a tub or basin filled with a small amount of treated water.

• Never attempt to pull pacman frogs off if they attach to your skin. Instead, submerge both you and the frog safely in water.

Is a Pacman Frog the Right Pet For You?

While pacman frogs have basic care needs, their large adult size and powerful bite makes them best suited to experienced frog keepers. Make sure you can provide:

• Adequately sized housing for an adult

• Proper heat and humidity

• Regular cage cleaning and maintenance

• A varied, calcium rich diet

• Limited, safe handling using gloves

If you’re new to frog keeping, a smaller species may be easier to manage. But with the right setup, pacman frogs make unique and engaging pets! Just be prepared for their voracious appetites and full grown girth.

Pacman frogs grow from tiny quarter-sized babies into surprisingly hefty adults reaching 4-7 inches long. Their ultimate size depends on genetics, diet, environment and more. With appropriate housing, supplementation, and responsible handling, these large frogs can thrive for over 10 years in captivity. While not suitable for everyone, pacman frogs are certainly one of the more interesting and unique pet amphibians.