Pacman Frog Male vs Female: The Differences (With Pictures)

The Pacman frog, or South American Horned frog, is a charming amphibian. They are popular pets due to their unique appearance and engaging behavior, but many people wonder whether they should purchase a male or female. While both have many similarities, there are a few notable differences, so keep reading as we discuss size, vocalizations, breeding, and personality to help you understand the difference between the two sexes and make an informed purchase.

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Pacman Frogs 101

Pacman frogs get their name from their distinctive round shape and wide mouths, resembling the famous video game character Pac-Man. This frog has a flat stocky, sturdy body with a wide and round head, large eyes, and a wide mouth extending beyond their eyes. Their skin has plenty of warty bumps that help them blend in with their surroundings. Pacman frogs are native to the rainforests of South America, and you will find them in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. They come in many colors and patterns, including shades of green, brown, yellow, and orange, and there are several species with the same name that can vary in size and color. They are voracious eaters with a diet of insects, small rodents, and even other amphibians.

Male Pacman Frog Overview

Personality / Character

Male Pacman frogs are vocal and use their vocal sacs to emit various croaking sounds. The intensity and frequency of the vocalizations vary between individuals, and many owners describe them as quite entertaining. Male Pacman frogs are more territorial than females, especially during the breeding season, and can become aggressive toward other frogs. They are also curious and enjoy exploring their surroundings and can get quite excited when you present them with food.

Training

Unfortunately, Pac-Man frogs have limited cognitive abilities and can be difficult to train. However, you can help improve your interactions and provide mental stimulation with positive reinforcement techniques. For instance, when they do something good, like stay calm while being handled, you can treat them to help create a positive association with that behavior. Establishing a consistent feeding routine can also help your frog associate you with the food that they are receiving, which can help strengthen your bond and make them more likely to allow you to handle them.

Health & Care

Maintaining your male Pac-Man frog is relatively easy. They need about 1 square foot of space, so a 10- to 20-gallon tank should work fine, but try to provide as much space as possible. You must keep the temperature at 75–85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, but you can cool it down a little at night. They need a substrate that retains moisture, like coconut fiber or moss, and you will want to keep humidity in the tank at 60% to 80%. They are nocturnal but still need a low-level source of UVB lighting for a few hours each day to get enough vitamin D3. They also need plenty of live food each day, including crickets, roaches, mealworms, and wax worms, and you will need to dust the food with calcium and vitamin supplements to ensure proper nutrition. They require plenty of fresh, clean, dechlorinated water.

Breeding

Male Pacman frogs usually reach sexual maturity at 1–2 years. They will start to display certain physical and behavioral signs, like increased calling or croaking, darker or more vibrant coloration, and a general increase in activity and territorial behavior. If you want to breed the frog, you will need to create a separate enclosure with plenty of substrate and hides that he can use to build a nest to attract a mate before introducing the female.

Female Pet Breed Overview

Personality/Character

Female Pacman frogs are generally known for their calm and docile nature. They tend to be less aggressive and territorial than males, making them easier to handle and interact with. They may spend significant time hidden or burrowed in their substrate, patiently waiting for prey to pass by, and are known for their dedication to guarding and protecting their clutch (eggs). They often remain close, ensuring their safety and providing necessary care until they hatch.

Training

Training a female Pacman Frog is just as difficult as training a male. However, positive reinforcement and a consistent feeling of routine can help train them to be more friendly around you and other family members that care for them. The females are also more docile and relaxed than the males, so bonds can form more quickly.

Health & Care

The female Pac-Man frog has all the same needs as the male frog and will require a similarly sized 10- to 20-gallon tank with warm temperatures and humid air. They will also need plenty of food, water, and a few hours of UVB light daily to stay healthy. While the female Pacman frogs are more open to handling, be aware that they have delicate skin that is easy to damage, so always wash your hands before and after handling to minimize the risk of transferring harmful substances or bacteria.

Breeding

Female Pacman frogs usually reach sexual maturity at 2–3 years. Signs that indicate that they are ready include an increase in size, a change in coloration, and a decrease in appetite. They may also become more active and search for suitable nesting spots. If you want to breed these frogs, create a suitable enclosure with plenty of hiding spots for the female to lay her eggs. After you introduce her to the male and the eggs are laid, carefully remove the adults to ensure that they don’t eat them. They should hatch into tadpoles in 7–10 days, and you can transfer them to a separate rearing enclosure with suitable water conditions and food.

Which Gender Is Right for You?

For many people, the female Pacman frog is a better choice because they tend to be larger and more docile, so there is a better chance that you’ll get to handle them, and they tend to get along better with other tank mates. However, the male Pacman frog is more active and can be more entertaining to watch. They are also more vocal, which can make them more or less appealing, depending on your preference. Overall, both make great pets that tend to live about 10 years and will improve the appearance of any aquarium.

See Also: 

• How to Tell If a Frog is Male or Female: 6 Vet-Reviewed Factors & FAQ
• African Dwarf Frog Male vs Female: The Differences (With Pictures)
• Green Frog vs Bullfrog: What’s the Difference? (With Pictures)

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Featured Image Credit: Left – Vaclav Sebek, Shutterstock | Right – dwi putra stock, Shutterstock