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Horned
Frogs (Ceratophrys sp.)
Argentine horned frogs are a
large aggressive frog found
throughout South America.
The frogs available in the
pet industry usually
originate from Argentina.
These frogs get fairly large
and females are larger than
males. Adult females can
range in size from 4-5 ½
inches, while males only
grow up to 4 inches. Male
horned frogs have larger
head and the throat skin is
dark and looser. Adult male
horned also have enlarged
nuptial pads that are
located the inside of their
thumbs. In the wild most
horned frogs are active
during the rainy season and
spend the rest of the year
underground. During the
rainy season these frogs
will start breeding and
females can produce over
2000 eggs. Horned frogs can
be cannibalistic and this
behavior usually applies to
smaller, young frogs. As
horned frogs mature these
cannibalistic tendencies are
less likely and groups of
similar sized frogs can be
kept together as long as
they are fed well. With
proper care horned frogs can
live over ten years in
captivity.
Temperature
Horned frogs need to be
maintained between 78-85
degrees during the day.
Nighttime temperatures
should be above 75 degrees.
Housing
Horned frogs can be housed
comfortably in 10 gallon
terrariums. The cage can be
filled with shallow water or
it can be setup with damp
potting soil and a large
water bowl. Do not use
distilled or purified water
for horned frogs. Never
place a cage near a window
where sunlight can directly
shine on your cage. Cages
placed in direct sunlight
can easily overheat and
ultimately lead to the death
of your frog.
Bedding
We recommend using gravel
when your cage is filled
with shallow water. Another
alternative is using Zoo
Meds’ Eco Earth and green
moss. Make sure when using
Eco Earth that the bedding
stays moist at all times.
Food
Horn frogs should be fed
appropriate sized crickets,
superworms, nightcrawlers,
fish, and rodents. It is
best to feed your frog dead
rodents to prevent bites or
injury. Young frogs can be
fed 2-3 times each week and
adults should eat every 1-2
weeks.
Cleaning and Handling
The terrarium should be
cleaned as necessary. Any
fecal matter or left over
food should be cleaned out
several times a week. The
bedding should be completely
changed once a month and
fresh clean water should be
provided at all times. The
inside of the terrarium can
be cleaned out with an
appropriate reptile cage
cleaner, we recommend
Natural Chemistry’s Healthy
Habitat. Horned frogs can
be handled on a limited
basis and always wash your
hands before and after
handling them.