Albino Pacman Frog: Info & Care Guide for Beginners (With Pictures)

Pacman frogs are native to South America. They get their name from the round head and mouth that resembles the Pac-Man video game character. They come in several color varieties, including the interesting albino version. If you are interested in a low-maintenance, hands-off pet, that is perfect for beginners, then read on to learn more about these frogs!

Quick Facts About Albino Pacman Frogs

Do Albino Pacman Frogs Make Good Pets?

Albino Pacman frogs get their name from their large, round mouths. These mouths are used to bite anything that gets too close. Therefore, they are great pets for observing, but not for handling. They are easy to care for and don’t require a large tank. It is important to know that you should not keep more than one albino Pacman frog in a tank. They can harm one another if kept together.

Appearance

The albino morph of the Pacman frog has yellow skin with pinkish spots. Their bellies are pale yellow or cream-colored. They have pink or red eyes and very large mouths. Typically, females are larger than males reaching up to 6 or 7 inches when fully grown. Males usually reach full size at about 2.5 to 4 inches.

How to Take Care of Albino Pacman Frogs

Habitat, Tank Conditions & Setup

As long as their tanks are kept clean, and the temperature and humidity levels are properly maintained, albino Pacman frogs are relatively easy to take care of.

Tank

Albino Pacman frogs require a tank between 10 and 20 gallons with a tight-fitting lid. To prevent the tank from becoming too humid and the air too stagnant, at least half of the lid should be a screen. They are prone to infections, so it is important to clean the tank and change out the substrate frequently.

Lighting

Albino Pacman frogs have skin and eyes that are very light sensitive. Due to this, they don’t need a tank light. The regular light in the room they are in should be plenty. A heat lamp can be used to help maintain the correct temperature if the room they are in is too cool.

Heating (Temperature & Humidity)

These frogs do best in temperature in the high 70ºF. Anything above 85ºF can be dangerous for them, so you will need to monitor the tank temperature carefully. The humidity levels should be kept between 60% and 70%. Your tank should include a shallow water dish that your frog can easily sit in to help keep them cool and maintain humidity.

Substrate

Albino Pacman frogs love burrowing! The substrate in their tank should be at least 4 inches of coconut fiber. This allows them to burrow. The substrate should be kept moist to maintain the proper level of humidity in the tank. The substrate should be changed out frequently to prevent any infection risks.

Feeding Your Albino Pacman Frog

Albino Pacman frogs have big appetites! Adults should be given about five crickets or roaches every day. Any food they don’t eat within about 15 minutes can be removed from the tank. It is recommended that you dust the insects with a high-quality calcium powder before giving them to the frog to help ensure your frog is getting the calcium they need. Pacman frogs can also occasionally eat small mice, fish, or some worms.

Keeping Your Albino Pacman Frog Healthy

Pacman frogs are generally pretty healthy and easy to care for. There are just a few health issues that may creep up that you should be aware of.

Common Health Issues

Lifespan

In captivity, albino Pacman frogs can live from 7 to 10 years if they are kept in a clean, temperature and humidity-monitored tank. The biggest cause of a shortened lifespan in pet frogs is an unclean environment. Frequent tank, water, and substrate cleanings are critical to the health of your pet frog.

Breeding

Albino Pacman frogs are difficult to breed in captivity unless you are a professional. The temperature and humidity levels have to be just right. The female in the wild lays her eggs in a water source during the rainy season. In one season, she may lay over 1,000 eggs!

Are Albino Pacman Frogs Friendly? Our Handling Advice

Albino Pacman frogs have very sensitive skin. Handling can harm or irritate their skin. They also have a large mouth with a strong bite that can hurt human fingers. They will try to bite anything that moves and will think your fingers are prey. You should not try to pick them up unless it is absolutely necessary.

Shedding & Hibernation: What to Expect

Albino Pacman frogs shed their skin every few weeks. They will usually eat it once they have shed it. If their tank is not humid enough or they are not getting enough food, the Pacman frog will grow a thick outer skin. The frog will then remain still in one place until the proper humidity levels have returned. This is their way of protecting themselves from dry conditions.

Pacman frogs will also hibernate in the wild when temperatures get too cold. However, this is not necessary for frogs in captivity. If you notice that your frog has grown a thick layer of skin and is not moving around, you should check to make sure the temperature and humidity levels are high enough.

How Much Do Albino Pacman Frogs Cost?

The albino morph of a Pacman frog is fairly common, but its price can vary widely depending on the breeder and location you purchase from. Typically, they can cost as little as $25 to $65. You should always make sure you are purchasing your frog from a reputable place. Healthy frogs should appear plump, with clear eyes and skin.

Care Guide Summary

Final Thoughts

Albino Pacman frogs are interesting to observe. They have huge mouths that they use to scoop up prey. Most of their time is spent buried in substrate, watching until a tasty bite comes by and then snatching it up. If you are looking for a relatively low-maintenance pet in a unique color form, then you should consider an albino Pacman frog.

Featured Image Credit: yusuf kurnia, Shutterstock