2 baby Brazilian horned frogs, always ready to eat and growing fast.
With good reason, Neotropical horned frogs of the genus Ceratophrys have long been hobbyist favorites. Over the years the species availability has varied. In the 1960s the Colombian horned frog, C. calcarata, was available to hobbyists. In later years the Amazonian, C. cornuta, Cranwell’s, C. cranwelli, and ornate, C. ornata, horned frogs were (and still are) readily available to hobbyists. In fact these latter three are not only available, but have been hybridized to a point where actual species identification of captive bred examples is difficult. Between these three there are at least 15 different hobbyist produced color phases now being offered! Although rare, Stolzmann’s, C. stolzmanni, and Caatinga, C. joazierensis, horned frogs have been occasionally available. And finally (at last!) the big, fabled, and coveted Brazilian horned frogs, C. aurita, are now occasionally offered (the single never-available species is the Ecuadorian C. testudo).

But rather than a generalized article about horned frogs, this is primarily about the Brazilian rainforest species, C. aurita. This species occurs in the Brazilian coastal states of Bahia and Rio Grande do Sul, and in some areas of the inland state of Minas Gerais.

At least one person has described this taxon, ostensibly the largest of the horned frogs, as “mythical.” But, although their adult size may be a bit exaggerated, a myth they are not. Adept at remaining in ambush positions while camouflaged by forest floor litter, this frog is often thought to be uncommon. But like many frogs, when gathered in breeding congresses, the Brazilian horned frog may be seen in reasonable numbers. Females are the larger, attaining a body length (and often width) of 8 to 10 inches. They are said by some to reach a length of 12 inches. Males are the smaller being 5 to 7 inches in length.

In keeping with the reputation of these frogs for being biters, the Brazilian horned frog can, will, and does bite. To this habit, as they leap forward, they add a disconcerting bark. And yes, in addition to their strong jaws they have teeth. And, yes, they invariably surprise and occasionally hurt.

Most old images depict this frog as being patterned in forest green and variable brown. A glance at the attached photos will show this to not always be the case. his species from southeastern Brazil occurs from the State of Bahia, south to the State of Rio Grande do Sul, and inland to the State of Minas Gerais.

The Brazilian horned frog, a “myth” come true.