Cranwell's horned frog (Ceratophrys cranwelli)

Short answers

Cranwell's horned frog: How big does the enclosure need to be?

80×40×40 cm (single animal).

Cranwell's horned frog: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–28 °C, at night 20–23 °C (not below 20 °C).

Cranwell's horned frog: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Optional.

Cranwell's horned frog: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: ~6–10 years (up to 15).

Cranwell's horned frog: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–28 °C

Night temperature

20–23 °C (not below 20 °C)

Basking spot

—

Humidity

70–90 %

UVB

Optional

Enclosure

Minimum size

80×40×40 cm (single animal)

Substrate

A thick layer of coco humus or sphagnum for burying, a shallow water spot

Feeding

Food

Earthworms, roaches, crickets, house crickets; rarely pinkies or mice

Feeding interval

juveniles every 1–2 days, adults 1–2×/week

Key facts

Adult size

10–13 cm (females up to ~15 cm)

Life expectancy

~6–10 years (up to 15)

Origin

The Gran Chaco (Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Brazil)

Protection status

—

Brumation

A dry rest or aestivation (in a cocoon) is possible; no brumation is needed

Cohabitation

Keep them strictly singly — pronounced cannibalism. The reason is not fighting but feeding: these animals take anything that fits in the mouth, and a second animal in the enclosure counts.

Notes

A pure ambush hunter; keeping it singly is essential. Keep the water level only up to below the nostrils (risk of drowning). Mice only rarely (a gout and purine risk).

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Cranwell's horned frog (Ceratophrys cranwelli) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Amazonian horned frog (Ceratophrys cornuta) – Intermediate
• Brazilian horned frog (Ceratophrys aurita) – Intermediate
• Caatinga horned frog (Ceratophrys joazeirensis) – Intermediate
• 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 Cranwell's horned frog (Ceratophrys cranwelli) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×40×40 cm (single animal)), substrate (A thick layer of coco humus or sphagnum for burying, a shallow water spot), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.