HORNED FROG

Ceratophrys sp.

Amphibian

Order Anura

Description

Males 4 in., females 5-6 in. Color varying amounts of red, orange, yellow, green and black. Males have darker looser throat skin than females, and nuptial pads (raised areas on the inside of their thumbs ) which become nearly black in males during breeding seasons.

Range

throughout subtropical and mild temperate central South America

Status

Not protected in international trade


Photo © Greg Neise

 

Ecology

Habitat
Spends most of its time half buried in forest leaf-litter or among moist moss.
 
Niche
Carnivorous: will try to eat anything it can fit into its enormous mouth,including smaller frogs, fish and small rodents. Sometimes called Pac Man frogs due to their gluttonous habits. Preyed upon by large snakes and birds ofprey and sometimes an occasional larger mammal.

Life History

They spend most of the year buried underground particularly during the cool months and emerge during the rainy season to breed in shallow ponds. Eggs numbering over 1000 are wrapped around aquatic plants and hatch in about 24 hours. Tadpoles are predatory and metamorphose in about 3 weeks, sexual maturity 18 mo. Life span up to 10 yrs. in captivity.

Special Adaptations

  • One of the few frog species that will attack and bite when they feel threatened. The upper jaw is lined with tiny sharp glass-like teeth.
  • Programmed for one purpose only: to eat as much as possible.
  • Does not drink water, but they absorb it through its skin.
  • Large mouth.
  • Long back legs.
  • Camouflage colors.