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Description
Fantasy Horned Frog (Bi-Colour)
Scientific Name: Ceratophrys cranwelli × Ceratophrys cornuta
Common Name: Fantasy Horned Frog, Bi-Colour Pacman Frog
Species Overview
Size: Adults typically reach 6–8 inches (15–20 cm), with females slightly larger than males.
Appearance: This hybrid exhibits a striking bi-colour pattern combining traits from both parent species. Body colours range from deep greens and browns to pale cream or tan areas, often with bold blotching or mottling. The head is broad and flat with the characteristic “horned” ridges above the eyes, and the mouth is large and capable of consuming sizeable prey relative to body size. Skin is smooth but thick and slightly waxy.
Distribution: Captive-bred hybrid; no natural distribution.
Habitat: As a terrestrial ambush predator, this frog prefers densely covered forest floor microhabitats with leaf litter, low vegetation, and shaded, moist areas. It spends much of its time partially buried, emerging primarily to feed.
Behaviour: Sit-and-wait predator with minimal movement during the day. Highly territorial and aggressive toward conspecifics, especially other horned frogs or similar-sized amphibians.
Captive Care
Enclosure: A single adult is best housed in an 18 × 18 × 18 inches (45 × 45 × 45 cm) enclosure. Larger adults may benefit from a 24 × 18 × 18 inches (60 × 45 × 45 cm) setup to provide additional floor space. Include a deep substrate such as coco fibre or soil topped with thick leaf litter to allow burrowing. Provide cork flats, hides, and dense ground cover for security. A shallow water dish should be available for soaking, refreshed daily.
Temperature and Humidity:
Warm area: 80–85°F (27–29°C)
Cool area: 72–75°F (22–24°C)
Humidity: 65–80%, maintained with regular misting and a damp substrate without waterlogging.
Lighting: Low-intensity lighting with a 12-hour light cycle. UVB is optional but may support overall health.
Diet: Feed a variety of appropriately sized insects, including crickets, roaches, and earthworms. Occasional pinky mice may be offered for adults. All prey should be gut-loaded and dusted with calcium; multivitamins given periodically.
Behaviour in Captivity: Largely sedentary, this hybrid spends much time buried. Feeding responses are sudden and vigorous. Avoid handling, as this species can bite defensively.
Special Considerations:
• Always house singly—highly aggressive and cannibalistic
• Monitor diet to prevent obesity
• Use tongs for feeding to prevent bites
• Maintain clean, damp substrate to prevent skin infections
Taxonomy Note
This hybrid is a cross between Ceratophrys cranwelli and Ceratophrys cornuta, combining the robust terrestrial ambush behaviour of both parent species. Hybrids are only captive-bred and exhibit intermediate physical and behavioural traits.
Genetics Note
This is a captive-bred hybrid, not a naturally occurring morph. Colour and pattern are variable and influenced by the combination of parental genetics. Bi-colour expression is consistent in some offspring but does not follow a defined single-gene inheritance.
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