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Description
Suriname Horned Frog (Red)
Scientific Name: Ceratophrys cornuta
Common Name: Suriname Horned Frog, Red Suriname Horned Frog
Species Overview
Size: Adults typically reach 5–7 inches (13–18 cm), with females slightly larger and heavier-bodied than males.
Appearance: Red Suriname Horned Frogs display a striking red or reddish-orange coloration with subtle darker markings. They retain the broad, flattened head, large mouth, and prominent horn-like cranial projections above the eyes characteristic of Ceratophrys cornuta. Skin is thick, slightly bumpy, and has a waxy texture.
Distribution: Native to Suriname, French Guiana, and northern Brazil, inhabiting tropical lowland rainforests and swampy areas.
Habitat: Terrestrial ambush predators inhabiting leaf-littered forest floors. They prefer moist, shaded areas and spend much of their time partially buried.
Behaviour: Sedentary sit-and-wait predator. Highly territorial and aggressive toward conspecifics and other amphibians.
Captive Care
Enclosure: A single adult should be housed in a 24 × 18 × 18 inches (60 × 45 × 45 cm) enclosure. Provide a deep substrate of coco fibre or soil topped with leaf litter to allow burrowing. Include cork flats, low hides, and dense ground cover for security. A shallow water dish should be available for soaking and refreshed daily.
Temperature and Humidity:
Warm area: 78–83°F (26–28°C)
Cool area: 72–75°F (22–24°C)
Humidity: 70–85%, maintained with regular misting and a damp substrate without waterlogging.
Lighting: Low-intensity lighting with a 12-hour light cycle is sufficient. Low-level UVB may be beneficial but is not essential.
Diet: Feed a variety of appropriately sized insects such as crickets, roaches, and earthworms. Occasional pinky mice may be offered to adults. All prey should be gut-loaded and dusted with calcium; multivitamins provided periodically.
Behaviour in Captivity: Mostly sedentary and partially buried. Feeding is sudden and aggressive. Handling should be minimal to prevent stress and defensive biting.
Special Considerations:
• House singly—highly aggressive and cannibalistic
• Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity
• Use feeding tongs to prevent bites
• Keep substrate clean and moist to prevent skin infections
Taxonomy Note
Suriname Horned Frogs belong to the genus Ceratophrys, part of the family Ceratophryidae, a group of robust, terrestrial frogs known for their ambush predation strategy. Members of this family are native to South America and are characterized by broad, flattened heads, large mouths, and horn-like cranial projections. Ceratophrys cornuta is one of the larger species in the genus, prized for its striking appearance and predatory efficiency.
Genetics Note
Red (polygenic): Produces vibrant red to reddish-orange coloration with subtle darker markings. Expression varies among individuals and intensifies with proper husbandry.