Chacoan Horned Frog

About the Chacoan Horned Frog

Cranwell's horned frog (Ceratophrys cranwelli), also called commonly the Chacoan horned frog, is a terrestrial frog in the family Ceratophryidae. The species is endemic to the dry Gran Chaco region of Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Brazil. It, like other members of its genus, Ceratophrys, is commonly called the Pac-man frog, because of its resemblance to the video game character of the same name. Most adult specimens range from 8–13 cm (3.1–5.1 in) long and can weigh up to 0.5 kg (1.1 lb).

The specific name, cranwelli, is in honor of Argentinian herpetologist Jorge A. Cranwell. The back of C. cranwelli usually has dark green and brown coloration, although albino variants with orange and yellow coloration also exist and are popular in the pet trade. The dark color scheme aids in camouflaging the animal as it burrows and waits for its prey. Though generally inactive, it is an aggressive eater and is capable of leaping for several body lengths to capture prey. It uses its sticky tongue to latch onto prey and its heavy body to remain anchored while consuming prey.

Cranwell's horned frog is nocturnal and rests with its eyelids... Wikipedia →