Brazilian horned frog (Ceratophrys aurita)
Amphibians · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Brazilian horned frog (Ceratophrys aurita) (origin: South-eastern Brazil – Atlantic rainforest). Adult size around 10–16 cm. Life expectancy 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Brazilian horned frog: How big does the enclosure need to be?
60×40×40 cm.
Brazilian horned frog: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–27 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 18–22 °C.
Brazilian horned frog: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 2 %).
Brazilian horned frog: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–12 years.
Brazilian horned frog: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 22–27 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–22 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 70–85 %
- UVB
- Recommended (UVB 2 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 60×40×40 cm
- Substrate
- Coco humus 8–12 cm for burying, leaf litter, a shallow water dish
Feeding
- Food
- Large insects, roaches, earthworms, the occasional nestling
- Feeding interval
- 1×/week (adults)
Key facts
- Adult size
- 10–16 cm
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 years
- Origin
- South-eastern Brazil – Atlantic rainforest
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES; wild populations are declining
- Brumation
- A cooler rest period of 6–8 weeks
- Cohabitation
- Single keeping. Horned frogs are ambush hunters and cannibals that eat similar-sized conspecifics and, in related species, even mates. Keeping with other animals or conspecifics is not possible. For breeding bring the animals together only briefly and under supervision; downside: even then one can be eaten.
Notes
The largest and coolest-living of the horned frogs – an Atlantic forest species, not a steppe species. Like all Ceratophrys, keep it strictly singly: they eat their own kind. Do not overfeed; obesity is the commonest cause of death.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Brazilian horned frog (Ceratophrys aurita) in the marketplace →
Related species
- Amazonian horned frog (Ceratophrys cornuta) – Intermediate
- Caatinga horned frog (Ceratophrys joazeirensis) – Intermediate
- Cranwell's horned frog (Ceratophrys cranwelli) – Beginner
- Ornate horned frog (Ceratophrys ornata) – Beginner
- African bullfrog (Pyxicephalus adspersus) – Beginner to intermediate
- Budgett's frog (Lepidobatrachus laevis) – Intermediate
- Chaco dwarf frog (Chacophrys pierottii) – Intermediate
- Edible bullfrog (Pyxicephalus edulis) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep Brazilian horned frog (Ceratophrys aurita) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×40×40 cm), substrate (Coco humus 8–12 cm for burying, leaf litter, a shallow water dish), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 7 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_horned_frog, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceratophrys, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceratophrys_aurita
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).