The pacman frog (Ceratophrys ornata) is a 4-6” long, diurnal, terrestrial amphibian from certain parts of Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. They prefer moist grasslands for habitat, where they use their classic camouflage coloring to blend in and ambush unsuspecting prey.
Pacman frogs have squat, round bodies, with small limbs, protruding eyes, and unusually large heads and mouths. In fact, it’s their enormous mouths that gave them their name! Pacman frogs typically have a mottled pattern of green, brown, black, white, yellow, and/or orange, although selective breeding efforts in captivity have produced other colors and patterns.
Pacman frogs are very popular in the pet trade, as they’re fairly hardy and require relatively little space. This beginner-level amphibian can be expected to live 10+ years with good care.
Pacman frogs are also known as horned frogs, which make up the genus Ceratophrys. This care sheet is specific to the C. ornata, but can be generally applied to all species of pacman frog. However, it is best to research the particular needs of your specific species of horned frog in order to provide the best possible care to your pet.
Keeping your pacman frog healthy and happy requires providing proper humidity levels in their enclosure Pacman frogs are native to the humid tropical regions of South America, so replicating those conditions in captivity is essential In this article, we’ll look at everything you need to know about managing humidity for your pacman frog.
Why Humidity Matters for Pacman Frogs
Pacman frogs need high humidity levels for several key reasons:
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Moisturizes their skin: Frogs don’t produce their own moisture like mammals do. Their permeable skin absorbs water from the environment. Without sufficient humidity, their skin will dry out. This can cause serious problems like dehydration, shedding difficulties, infections, and even death.
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Aids respiration Pacman frogs have moist skin over their throat and nostrils. When humidity is too low these areas can dry out making it harder for them to breathe. Proper humidity keeps their breathing surfaces moist.
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Hydration Some hydration comes from the water bowl, but pacman frogs also hydrate by absorbing moisture through their skin Low humidity deprives them of this crucial hydration source.
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Healthy habitat: High humidity helps maintain populations of beneficial bacteria and microfauna in the vivarium soil. This creates a balanced ecosystem for your frog’s health.
The ideal humidity range for pacman frogs is between 70-80%. Levels lower than 50% are dangerous for their health. Humidity higher than 80% increases the risk of fungal or bacterial growth in the tank.
Equipment to Measure and Maintain Humidity
To keep your pacman frog healthy, you need to closely monitor and adjust the humidity as needed. Here is the basic equipment you’ll need:
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Hygrometer: This device measures relative humidity levels. Look for digital models with probes that sit inside the vivarium for the most accurate readings.
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Misting system: Handheld spray bottles work, but automated misters provide consistent humidity. They have timers to mimic natural humidity fluctuations.
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Substrate: Coconut fiber substrates hold moisture well to elevate humidity as they break down.
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Water bowl: A large, shallow bowl boosts evaporation to increase humidity naturally.
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Fogger: These create a humid fog inside the tank that slowly evaporates to raise humidity levels.
Techniques to Raise Humidity in the Enclosure
If your hygrometer shows humidity lower than 70%, take steps to raise it into the ideal range. Here are some effective techniques:
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Mist the enclosure twice per day or use an automated mister system. The moisture will evaporate over time, increasing humidity.
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Pour water into the substrate to saturate it. Squeeze it to check that it clumps together without dripping wet.
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Use sphagnum moss on top of the substrate. The moss will absorb and release water vapor.
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Cover part of the mesh top with foil or plexiglass to retain more moisture inside. Leave some area uncovered for ventilation.
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Place the water bowl directly under the heat source so the water evaporates rapidly. Refill it daily.
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Add live or fake plants to the tank. Real plants help regulate humidity as they transpire moisture.
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Use a substrate heater under just one side of the tank to create a humidity gradient.
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Place a humid hide box with moist moss on the cool end of the tank. This gives your frog a humid retreat.
Lowering Humidity
Humidity above 80% risks mold growth and respiratory infections. If the hygrometer shows humidity too high, use these fixes:
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Remove foil or plastic from the mesh top to increase airflow and ventilation.
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Use a dry substrate and allow it to dry out completely before remoistening.
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Replace some substrate with moss for moisture-absorbing properties.
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Use less water when misting the tank or decrease misting frequency.
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Insert a small computer fan to improve air circulation and evaporation.
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Remove the water bowl for 1-2 days to eliminate its humidity contributions.
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Partially open the tank and allow it air out for short periods.
Preventing Mold in the Enclosure
The warm, humid conditions frogs need also encourages mold growth. Take these preventative steps:
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Replace part of the substrate monthly to remove mold spores.
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Improve airflow by covering less of the mesh top.
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Introduce springtails to the tank. These tiny critters eat mold and fungi.
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Allow the tank to fully dry out every 4-6 weeks to kill mold. Then slowly raise humidity again.
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Spray a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution on visible mold. It will bubble and kill the mold safely.
Monitoring Your Pacman Frog for Health Issues
Even with ideal humidity care, health issues can still arise. Watch for these signs of trouble:
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Skin dryness, lesions, or stuck shed. Low humidity dries out the skin.
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Wheezing, difficulty breathing. Dry airways impair respiration.
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Lethargy, loss of appetite. Dehydration causes weakness.
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Weight loss. Improper humidity deprives them of hydration sources.
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Irritation around the eyes, mouth and cloaca. Fungal infections thrive in moisture.
Consult an exotic vet if you notice any of these symptoms. With attentive humidity management, you can avoid these problems and keep your pacman frog healthy and thriving!
Do pacman frogs need UVB?
Pacman frogs can survive without access to UVB wavelengths, but we still recommend providing appropriate UVB lighting as part of the setup. UVB lighting helps provide a clear day/night cycle, provides all of the vitamin D that your pet needs, strengthens the immune system, facilitates better digestion, and provides other benefits.
The best UVB bulbs for pacman frogs is:
For best results, use a bulb roughly half the length of the enclosure and housed in a reflective fixture. The frogs should be able to get no closer than 8” to the bulb. UVB is blocked by glass and plastic, so placing the terrarium in front of a window doesn’t count as “free UVB” — in fact it can make your terrarium too hot due to the greenhouse effect. Don’t forget to replace your bulb every 12 months!
Lights should be on for 14 hours/day during summer and 10 hours/day during winter. This mimics natural seasonal cycles and likely promotes better long-term health!
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The pacman frog (Ceratophrys ornata) is a 4-6” long, diurnal, terrestrial amphibian from certain parts of Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. They prefer moist grasslands for habitat, where they use their classic camouflage coloring to blend in and ambush unsuspecting prey.
Pacman frogs have squat, round bodies, with small limbs, protruding eyes, and unusually large heads and mouths. In fact, it’s their enormous mouths that gave them their name! Pacman frogs typically have a mottled pattern of green, brown, black, white, yellow, and/or orange, although selective breeding efforts in captivity have produced other colors and patterns.
Pacman frogs are very popular in the pet trade, as they’re fairly hardy and require relatively little space. This beginner-level amphibian can be expected to live 10+ years with good care.
Pacman frogs are also known as horned frogs, which make up the genus Ceratophrys. This care sheet is specific to the C. ornata, but can be generally applied to all species of pacman frog. However, it is best to research the particular needs of your specific species of horned frog in order to provide the best possible care to your pet.
Pacman Frog Temperature & Humidity | In-Depth Guide
FAQ
Do PacMan frogs need to be misted?
Humidity levels should be maintained between 70–80% and monitored with a humidity gauge, called a hygrometer. To retain humidity in the enclosure, you can mist the substrate in your frog’s habitat with dechlorinated water at least once a day. Be sure that the substrate is damp but not wet.
Is too much humidity bad for frogs?
Respiratory Issues: Excessive moisture can lead to respiratory problems, as frogs absorb oxygen through their skin, and overly wet conditions can hinder this process.
How do I keep my frog tank humid?
Having water moving within your enclosure is a great way to increase the humidity of the enclosure. The most common way to add moving water would be to include a waterfall on the cool end of a tall enclosure. Having water cascade down the decoration and splash should release a fair amount of humidity.
Where to place a hygrometer in a frog tank?
Therefore the hygrometer should be placed in the terrarium exactly where the influences on the measuring instrument are the least, i.e. not near water or heat …Jul 15, 2020