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AmphibianTerrestrialIntermediate
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Fantasy Frog (C. cranwelli x C. cornuta)
Ceratophrys 'Fantasy'
The Fantasy Frog is a popular captive-bred hybrid between Ceratophrys cranwelli and Ceratophrys cornuta. It combines the hardiness of the Chacoan Pacman frog with the spectacular colors and high eye horns of the Amazonian species.
Class:Amphibia
Order:Anura
Family:Ceratophryidae
Subfamily:Ceratophryinae
Genus:Ceratophrys
Species:Ceratophrys 'Fantasy'
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Check out Fantasy Frog (C. cranwelli x C. cornuta) on Atlarium
Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
60 - 80 %
Day temperature
24 - 29 °C
Night temperature
21 - 24 °C
UVB
Low
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Does not exist in the wild. The Fantasy Frog is an artificial hybrid bred in captivity by crossing Ceratophrys cranwelli and Ceratophrys cornuta. It does not have a natural habitat, but inherits characteristics from both parent species, combining adaptability with tropical morphology.
Taxonomy and Genetics: A member of the Ceratophryidae family. It features a round, spherical body (10-14 cm) with short, stout legs. It exhibits a spectacular coloration of bright greens, oranges, and deep mahogany reds, alongside prominent eyebrow horns inherited from the Suriname horned frog.
Behavior and Habits: A sedentary, burrowing ambush predator. They remain buried in the substrate for most of their lives, exposing only their eyes. They are highly territorial, aggressive predators that do not climb or jump, relying on camouflage to ambush prey.
Morphology: Females are significantly larger and heavier, with rounder bodies. Males are smaller, develop darker throats, and are generally sterile as a result of hybridization.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: Requires a horizontal terrestrial terrarium (minimum 60x45x30 cm). The substrate is crucial and must consist of a thick layer (10-15 cm) of damp organic soil or peat moss mixed with leaf litter to allow burrowing. Provide a shallow water dish; they are poor swimmers and can easily drown.
Lighting and Heating: Requires warm temperatures between 26 and 28°C during the day. Do not use under-tank heating mats, as burrowing frogs will cook; instead, place heat mats on the sides of the enclosure. Provide 12 hours of light with a 5% UVB source.
Humidity and Hydration: Maintain high humidity levels (60-70%). Unlike Ceratophrys cranwelli, they require a more stable level of moisture and do not tolerate extreme dry spells. Mist daily with declorinated water. Proper ventilation is necessary to prevent skin rot.
Feeding and Supplementation: Voracious predators. Feed on crickets, roaches, earthworms, and occasionally mice or fish. To prevent impaction from swallowing substrate, feed them using tongs. Food should be dusted with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements three times a week.
Compatibility: Strictly solitary. They are highly cannibalistic and will consume any other frog, including their own species, even if they are of similar size. They must always be housed individually.
Health and Common Diseases: Susceptible to bacterial infections (red leg syndrome) and toxicosis if the substrate is allowed to accumulate waste and ammonia. Never handle them with bare hands as skin oils and soap residues are toxic. They have bony odontoid projections in their mouth and can deliver painful bites.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Does not exist in the wild. The Fantasy Frog is an artificial hybrid bred in captivity by crossing Ceratophrys cranwelli and Ceratophrys cornuta. It does not have a natural habitat, but inherits characteristics from both parent species, combining adaptability with tropical morphology.
Origin
Selective breeding and cultivarsAmazon, Orinoco, and GuianasEurope, Mediterranean, and West Asia
Amphibian profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- No verified data available
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Toxicity
- No verified data available
- Life stage
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
