Pacman frog, as implied by its name, is derived from the popular Pacman arcade game as just like the character in this game, these frogs have a rounded appearance with a huge mouth and a ravenous appetite. They are very docile and easy to take care of, making them a great choice of pets for kids and adults alike.
Housing
Pacman frogs don’t require a large cage and a 10 to 20-gallon tank is enough. As they tend to eat any prey that comes its way, they need to be housed alone. The tank can be lined with smooth rocks, paper, moss, live plants, or substrate that can be misted to maintain the tank humidity over 50%. Pacman loves to idle around and burrow in the substrate with their eyes popping out.
The Pacman’s skin tends to be very sensitive, so choose the right plants to keep in its enclosure. These can include plants with broad leaves that can serve as hiding spots like Pothos Ivy or English Ivy. Also, ensure choosing the right substrate and not use gravel as the Pacman will often pounce on the prey you feed and subsequently ingest some of the substrates.
Temperature and Lighting
It’s vital to maintain the temperature in the terrarium between 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. They don’t need specialized heating equipment as long as the normal temperature stays in this range. Heat is best supplied with an under-tank heater, as overhead bulbs can be too drying for the frog’s skin.
Food and Diet
Pacman frog eats a wide variety of food and is mostly nocturnal, which means it’s best to feed them in the evenings. Take the hint from your frog and feed accordingly. Smaller frogs can be provided with insects such as dubia roaches, worms, and crickets as mainstays in their diet.
Before feeding insects, it’s recommended to gut-load or feed the prey with healthy food so that the nutritional benefits are passed on to the frog. Vitamin D and calcium are two crucial nutrients for these frogs so that you can dust the insects with these supplements as well.
Apart from insects, you can also feed baby mice, small fish, guppies, and even smaller frogs as they grow. The amount of feed depends on the size of the frog and the temperature within the enclosure.
During warmer days, they tend to eat, and during cold periods, they might refuse to take food as they go into brumation, a type of hibernation amongst reptiles. You can ease this condition by raising the temperature inside the enclosure.
While small Pacman frogs can be fed daily, larger frogs are to be fed once in one or two days. If your frog is getting too round or fat, you might want to cut back on how often it is fed. They have teeth and may bite. So, it’s recommended to place the food on the ground or use thongs.
Water and Hydration
Provide clean water inside the bowl and place it in the terrarium so that the Pacman can stay hydrated and drink up when it wants. Mist the terrarium regularly to maintain humidity levels and soak them in fresh water once a week to keep them well-hydrated.
Keeping your Pacman Frog Healthy
Pacman frogs love idling, so there is no need for you to worry if they are not active or sit and stare. However, if you suddenly find it hiding more or detect the following signs, you might want to seek medical attention:
- Runny or loose droppings
- Sudden weight loss
- Eating or drinking less than normal
- Changes in skin color
- Swollen Joints
- Runny discharge coming from mouth, nose, or eyes
Since they are very easy to take care of, as long as you follow the basics of feeding them well, hydrating, and maintain clean surroundings in the terrarium, they can live healthy anywhere between 5 to 15 years.