Which genus contains the Argentine horned frog, a popular pet species?

The Argentine horned frog belongs to the genus Ceratophrys.

Its scientific name is Ceratophrys ornata, and it is a member of the family Ceratophryidae. The species is native to grasslands and other habitats in Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. Its broad head, huge mouth, and horn-like projections above the eyes give it the distinctive appearance associated with horned frogs.

Argentine horned frogs are famous sit-and-wait predators. Rather than pursuing prey, they remain concealed and lunge at passing animals. Their diet can include insects, rodents, lizards, snakes, birds, and other frogs. This bold feeding behavior explains the popular “Pacman frog” nickname, borrowed from the arcade character’s large mouth and appetite.

The genus name is broader than the species name: Ceratophrys includes several South American horned frogs, not only C. ornata. Pet keepers also commonly encounter Cranwell’s horned frog, Ceratophrys cranwelli, and hybrids or color varieties sold under the general Pacman-frog label. “Horned” refers to skin flaps above the eyes, not true horns made of bone.