The numbers
Enclosure
45 × 45 × 30 cm
Temperature
24–28 °C; optimum 25–26 °C; tolerates a few degrees less than cranwelli; day/night gradient recommended (5 °C nocturnal drop)
Humidity
70–80%; moist coco fibre/sphagnum substrate; shallow water dish
UVB
UVB not required; photoperiod 12 h
Identity
Adult size
♂ 10–12 cm SVL; ♀ up to 16 cm; juvenile ~3 cm
Lifespan
10–15 years in captivity
Legal status
Unrestricted
Price (THB)
1 500–5 000
Difficulty
Intermediate (slightly more demanding than cranwelli in T° and humidity)
Origin / habitat
Cohabitation
Solitary MANDATORY (cannibalism)
Enclosure and conditions
Terrarium / aquarium
Terrarium 45×45×30 cm for adult ♀; shallow floor; deep substrate
Temperature
24–28 °C; optimum 25–26 °C; tolerates a few degrees less than cranwelli; day/night gradient recommended (5 °C nocturnal drop)
Humidity / water
70–80%; moist coco fibre/sphagnum substrate; shallow water dish
Lighting / UVB
UVB not required; photoperiod 12 h
Substrate / decor
Moist sphagnum or coco fibre 10–12 cm; larger species requires deeper substrate
Feeding
Identical to cranwelli but larger prey according to greater adult size (adult mice, large roaches, large earthworms); adults 1×/week
Reproduction
Sexing
♀ noticeably larger (up to 16 cm); ♂ brownish throat; ♂ loud call
Maturity
♂ 8–12 months; ♀ 12–24 months
Breeding trigger
More pronounced cool-down than cranwelli: T° 15–18 °C for 2–3 months (simulates Argentine winter); complete cessation of feeding and reduction of humidity during this period; progressive reactivation
Egg laying
Identical to cranwelli: axillary amplexus in shallow water; numerous eggs; remove adults immediately
Tadpoles / metamorphosis
Carnivorous (cannibalistic) — raise individually or at very low density; metamorphosis 4–6 weeks
Juvenile care
Very voracious and cannibalistic — isolate immediately at metamorphosis; small crickets, earthworms
Common health problems
Cocoon syndrome (pathological aestivation)
Signsif humidity is too low, C. ornata forms a shed-skin cocoon — prevent by always keeping substrate moist
Obesity
Signssame risk as cranwelli — strictly 1×/week feeding for adults
Bite wounds between individuals
SignsNEVER cohabit two Ceratophrys
Quarantine
Signs30 days; solo terrarium with clean sphagnum substrate; T° 25–26 °C; test appetite D3; weigh on entry
Good to know
- More sensitive to low temperatures than cranwelli — avoid T° <20 °C prolonged except during breeding cool-down
- Spectacular ocellated green/red/brown pattern — WC individuals display more saturated colours than CB
- Hybrid with cranwelli gives 'Fantasy Pacman' — note the exact cross on sale certificates
Others in this group
White's Tree FrogRanoidea caeruleaAxolotlAmbystoma mexicanumYellow-banded Poison Dart FrogDendrobates leucomelasMimic Poison FrogRanitomeya imitatorDyeing Poison Dart FrogDendrobates tinctoriusGolden Poison Dart FrogPhyllobates terribilisGreen-and-black Poison Dart FrogDendrobates auratusStrawberry Poison Dart FrogOophaga pumilio