Caatinga horned frog (Ceratophrys joazeirensis)

Short answers

Caatinga horned frog: How big does the enclosure need to be?

60×40×40 cm.

Caatinga horned frog: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–30 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 20–23 °C.

Caatinga horned frog: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Recommended (UVB 2 %).

Caatinga horned frog: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Caatinga horned frog: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–30 °C

Night temperature

20–23 °C

Basking spot

No basking spot

Humidity

60–75 %

UVB

Recommended (UVB 2 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

60×40×40 cm

Substrate

Coco humus and sand 8–12 cm, leaf litter, a shallow water dish

Feeding

Food

Large insects, roaches, earthworms

Feeding interval

1×/week (adults)

Key facts

Adult size

9–13 cm

Life expectancy

8–12 years

Origin

North-eastern Brazil – the Caatinga (an arid region)

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

A dry rest of 8–12 weeks

Cohabitation

Single housing, strict. This species eats anything that fits in its mouth - including its own kind, even at similar size. Only pair up briefly and under supervision for breeding.

Notes

A dryland species: in droughts it digs itself into a cocoon. To be kept markedly drier than the ornate horned frog. Keeping it singly is essential.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Caatinga horned frog (Ceratophrys joazeirensis) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Amazonian horned frog (Ceratophrys cornuta) – Intermediate
• Brazilian horned frog (Ceratophrys aurita) – 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

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Caatinga horned frog (Ceratophrys joazeirensis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×40×40 cm), substrate (Coco humus and sand 8–12 cm, 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.