The Pacman frog is a popular amphibian kept in captivity, and for good reason too. But did you know that their appearance can vary significantly between individuals?
In this article, we’ll take a look at the different colors and morphs of the Pacman frog.
So if you’re thinking about adding a Pacman frog to your collection, be sure to read on.
Table of Contents
What Is A Pacman Frog?
Pacman frogs are a type of frog that is native to Central and South America. These frogs get their name from their large mouths, which resemble the video game character Pac-Man.
Pacman frogs are popular pets because of their unique appearance and docile nature.
These frogs reach 6 inches in length and are often as wide across as they are long, making them almost a complete circle.
The females are larger than the males, unlike many other types of frogs. They also have a lengthy lifespan, usually living between 7 and 10 years.
This frog is ideal for individuals who wish to observe a frog but not handle them frequently. Pacman Frogs dislike being held or picked up, unlike other pets, making them less suited for people looking for an active pet.
They are beautiful and magnificent to behold due to their unique colorations.
The 15 Pacman frog morphs & colors explained
The Pacman frog is known for its distinct colors and patterns. While the colors and patterns vary from frog to frog, there are some commonalities.
4 Spot Pattern less Pacman Frog
| Alternative Name: | Cranwell’s Horned Frog |
| Scientific Name: | Ceratrophrys Cranwelli |
| Color: | Green or teal in color with 4 black or brown spots on back |
| Lifespan: | Over 5 years |
| Size: | 4-7 inches long |
| Found In: | South America |
| Cost: | $30-$45 |
The 4 spot pattern less Pacman frog is one of the most common morphs found in the wild. This frog has a light green or brown body with dark spots on its back and sides. There may be some variation in color, but all frogs within this morph will have some type of spot.
Albino Pacman Frog
| Alternative Name: | Albino Pacman Frog |
| Scientific Name: | Ceratophrys ornata |
| Color: | Yellow |
| Lifespan: | 7 to 10 years |
| Size: | 2-7 inches long |
| Found In: | South America |
| Cost: | $44.95 – $64.95 |
The albino Pacman frog is one of the most popular morphs. As its name suggests, this frog lacks pigment in its skin, giving it a ghostly white appearance. This morph is also often associated with red eyes, although this is not always the case.
Albino Pacman frogs are very striking animals, and as a result, they are often one of the most expensive morphs on the market.
Albino Patternless Pacman Frog
| Alternative Name: | Albino Patternless Pacman Frog |
| Scientific Name: | Ceratrophrys |
| Color: | Light yellow, or yellowish-green |
| Lifespan: | 10-12 years |
| Size: | Up to 5 inches |
| Found In: | South America |
| Cost: | $45-$99 |
The skin of an albino Pacman frog’s patternless morphology has no markings or spots. The majority of this frog’s skin is yellowish-green in color. The eyes are red and the belly is white.
Argentine Pacman
| Alternative Name: | Argentine horned frog |
| Scientific Name: | Ceratophrys ornata |
| Color: | reds, oranges, greens, and blacks |
| Lifespan: | 10 years |
| Size: | 3 to 7 inches long |
| Found In: | South America |
| Cost: | $15 to $30 |
The Argentine Pacman frog is one of the most common morphs. This frog has a gray or light brown body with dark spots and a black band that runs from its eyes to its groin. The underside of this frog is white or cream-colored.
Black Eye Mutant
| Alternative Name: | Cranwell’s Horned Frog, Or, Black Eyed Mutant Pacman Frog |
| Scientific Name: | Ceratrophrys Cranwelli |
| Color: | Light pink like the skin of raw chickens with black eyes |
| Lifespan: | 7-10 years |
| Size: | 4-7 inches |
| Found In: | South America |
| Cost: | $400-$500 |
If you’re a fan of freaky-looking Pacman Frogs, the Black Eyed Mutant is for you. This variation is incredibly unusual, making it a monstrosity among the frog world.
The eyes are black, but the rest of the body is pink, almost like raw chicken. Little is known about this variant, although they are thought to be incredibly rare.
Caatinga Pacman
| Alternative Name: | Caatinga Pacman |
| Scientific Name: | Ceratophrys joazeirensis |
| Color: | Brown and Green |
| Lifespan: | 7-10 years |
| Size: | 4-7 inches |
| Found In: | South America |
| Cost: | $75.00 |
The Caatinga Pacman is a morph that is only found in Brazil. They are often brown or tan in coloration, with dark spots on their backs.
These frogs can also be found in a wide range of colors, including green, orange, and even pink. They are a popular morph among collectors, and they can often be quite expensive.
Chocolate Mint Pacman Frog
| Alternative Name: | Chacoan Horned Frog |
| Scientific Name: | Ceratrophrys Cranwellyli |
| Color: | Brown, tan, pale green |
| Lifespan: | Over 5 years |
| Size: | Up to 7 inches |
| Found In: | South America |
| Cost: | $25-$40 |
This variation is aptly named, as its skin has a chocolate brown hue with faint green accents. The eyes are typically black or dark brown. This morph is considered to be quite rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Citrus Albino Pacman
| Alternative Name: | Lemon Albino Pacman Frog |
| Scientific Name: | Ceratrophrys Cranwelli |
| Color: | Lemon, yellow, yellowish-green, etc. |
| Lifespan: | 7-10 years |
| Size: | Up to 7 inches |
| Found In: | South America |
| Cost: | $25-$50 |
The Citrus Albino Pacman frog is a beautiful mutation that is becoming increasingly popular. This morph has bright yellow skin with black spots, giving it a very striking appearance.
As its name suggests, this variant was first found in citrus orchards and is thought to be related to the albino morph.
Green “Normal” Pacman Frog
| Alternative Name: | Normal Green Pacman Frog |
| Scientific Name: | Ceratrophrys Crenwelli |
| Color: | Dark green with brown |
| Lifespan: | Up to 10 years |
| Size: | 3 to 7 inches |
| Found In: | Brazil, Ecuador, Columbia, and Peru |
| Cost: | $15-$30 |
The green “normal” Pacman frog is the most common morph. This frog has a green body with black spots and a white underbelly.
They are generally quite small, measuring at around five inches long. These frogs make great pets and are easy to care for.
High Red Ornate Pacman Frog
| Alternative Name: | Ornate Horned Frog |
| Scientific Name: | Ceratrophrys Crenwelli |
| Color: | Green with bright red or brown patterns |
| Lifespan: | Up To 15 years |
| Size: | 2-6 inches long |
| Found In: | Argentina, Uruguay and Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil |
| Cost: | $50 |
This frog is easily distinguishable from other morphs due to its bright red color. The High Red Ornate Pacman Frog has a very striking appearance and is one of the most popular morphs available.
This frog is also known for its ornate markings, which make it quite distinctive.
Samurai Apricot Albino Pacman
| Alternative Name: | Apricot Pacman Frog |
| Scientific Name: | Ceratrophrys Cranwelli |
| Color: | Orange, red, yellow, etc |
| Lifespan: | 10 years or more |
| Size: | 3-5 inches |
| Found In: | South America |
| Cost: | Around $30 |
If you’re looking for a truly unique Pacman Frog, the Samurai Apricot Albino is the one for you. This morph is a combination of several different variations, and as a result, it is an incredibly rare sight.
The frog has an apricot color body with spots, and its eyes are black. These frogs are very sought-after by collectors, and as a result, they can fetch a high price.
Samurai Blue Line Ornate
| Alternative Name: | Samurai Ornate Albino Pacman Frog |
| Scientific Name: | Ceratrophrys Ornata |
| Color: | Orange, Greenish Blue, Lime Green, etc. |
| Lifespan: | 8-15 years |
| Size: | Up to 8 inches |
| Found In: | South America |
| Cost: | $40-$100 |
This morph is a striking blue color, with brown markings on its body. It’s one of the more popular morphs on the market, and it’s easy to see why.
The blue coloration is simply stunning, and it’s thought that this frog gets its name from the way it looks like a Samurai warrior.
Samurai Lime Green Albino Pacman
| Alternative Name: | Lime Green Albino Pacman |
| Scientific Name: | Ceratrophrys Ornata |
| Color: | Lime green |
| Lifespan: | 7-10 years |
| Size: | Up to 8 inches |
| Found In: | South America |
| Cost: | $40-$100 |
The green tint in Samurai Lime Green Albino Pacman’s is much less evident, owing to their albino coloring. The precise shade of the individual frog’s coloring will vary from frog to frog. In some Samurai Lime Green Albinos, only the sides or top of the eyes will be green.
Samurai Ornate
| Alternative Name: | Samurai Ornate |
| Scientific Name: | Ceratrophrys Ornata |
| Color: | Orange, Greenish Blue, Lime Green |
| Lifespan: | 8-15 years |
| Size: | Up to 8 inches |
| Found In: | South America |
| Cost: | $40-$100 |
The Samurai Ornate Pacman Frog is one of the most beautiful morphs out there. The body is a deep green, with intricate black markings that make it look like a samurai warrior in battle armor. This frog is highly sought after by collectors and can fetch high prices on the market.
Strawberry Pineapple Albino Pacman Frog
| Alternative Name: | Strawberry Pineapple Albino Pacman Frog, or South American Horned Frogs |
| Scientific Name: | Ceratrophrys Ornata |
| Color: | Light pinkish |
| Lifespan: | 10-15 years |
| Size: | 4-5 Inches |
| Found In: | South America |
| Cost: | $50-$100 |
This morph is a combination of the albino and Strawberry Pineapple genes. As a result, it has the same white skin as an albino frog, but with striking red eyes.
The body is also covered in small white and orange spots, giving it a unique appearance.
What Colors Can Pacman Frogs Be?
Pacman frogs come in a variety of colors, including green, lime green, yellow, tan, orange, and brown. Some have even identical features to those described above in shades of green, red, yellow, brown, orange, lemon.
They can also change color depending on their surroundings or mood. For example, if they’re feeling threatened or stressed, they might turn a darker hue to blend into their environment.
When they’re healthy and happy, however, their colors are usually more vibrant.
Final Thoughts
As you can see there are some very special varieties and colors out there. Which one is your favorite?
These native Central and South American frogs are collected for many reasons but their unusual colors and distinctive looks are definitely one reason.
