Origin:

Argentina mainly, though in other parts of South America as well.

Size:

5 to 7 inches for males, and 7 to 9 inches for females. Onates can weigh up to one pound.

Sexing:

Male's call (sometimes too often) and will sometimes develop a black "beard". Females grow considerably larger and lack the chin coloration.

Temperament:

I have seen more than one source refer to pac-man frogs as ill tempered and mean, but I think it is an undeserved reputation. However, ornates probably shouldn't be handled (especially with bare hands). Argentine horned frogs will eat anything that comes in their way and do not much care how big it is. They should always be kept alone unless breeding.

Life Span:

Ornates can live up to ten years with an average life-span of around seven.

Habitat:

Ornates do well in a ten gallon tank with a soft substrate composed of reptile soil or moss deep enough for the frog to be able to bury himself. Pac-man frogs are not jumper or climbers and don't require a cover, though a screen one is recommended. Their tank should be kept between 78 and 82 degrees with an under-tank heater or heat lamp. Heat rocks shouldn't be used as they may cause burns. A frog tank must have a dish or pool of water the frog to sit in and relax where your little pet will probably be spending most of his time.

Food:

Small frogs should be fed with 3-5 crickets (treated with the "gut-pack" cricket food found at most pet stores) per day. Medium sized frogs can be fed pinky mice and feeder fish every couple of days. Large frogs should be fed one full grown mouse every week or two. Note, argentine horned frogs can and should eat a variety of insects including meal worms, earth worms, and super worms, as well as anything else that may be found crawling on the floor of a hot, steamy rainforest. These other creatures can be fed in addition to or instead of the diet I recommended. Any food going to the frogs should be either fed vitamin supplements or dusted with them.