Amphibian · Terrestrial frog
Ornate horned frog care guide
Ceratophrys ornata
The ornate horned frog is a beginner-level terrestrial frog from Argentina, Uruguay, southern Brazil. Adults reach 10–12 cm and live 8–15 years in captivity. Always solitary.
- Enclosure 45 × 30 × 30 cm
- Temp 24–28°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a ornate horned frog cost in Canada?
Ornate horned frog quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 10–12 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–15 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Argentina, Uruguay, southern Brazil
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- 24–28°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Carnivore – earthworms, roaches, crickets, occasional mice
- Bioactive style
- Terrestrial amphibian
Ornate horned frog enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a terrestrial amphibian bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls3 cm
Burrowing amphibians need soft, moist soil they can dig into – keep it damp, never waterlogged, and provide a shallow water dish.
Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a ornate horned frog eat?
Carnivore – earthworms, roaches, crickets, occasional mice. Feed adults every 5–7 days; juveniles every 2–3 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Hands-off; bites hard.
Health watch: Obesity and impaction.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check temperature (many salamanders need it cool) and keep the water dish clean.
Weekly
- Feed; remove uneaten food.
- Moisten soil if the surface dries; check the drainage layer.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter; check crew numbers.
Yearly
- Refresh the top of the soil.
Recommended for a ornate horned frog bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 30 × 30 cm).
Ornate horned frog FAQ
Is the ornate horned frog good for beginners?
Yes – the ornate horned frog is a good choice for beginners. Hands-off; bites hard.
What size enclosure does a ornate horned frog need?
At least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (about 18 × 12 × 12 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a ornate horned frog cost in Canada?
Typically $50–120 CAD to buy, about $310–580 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $100–250 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a ornate horned frog need?
Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a ornate horned frog eat?
Carnivore – earthworms, roaches, crickets, occasional mice. Feed adults every 5–7 days; juveniles every 2–3 days.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.