horned frog

amphibian

Also known as: Ceratophrys

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

Horned frogs are a type of South American frog belonging to the genus Ceratophrys within the family Leptodactylidae. These frogs are characterized by triangular skin projections above their eyes, giving them a "horned" appearance. They possess wide heads and mouths and can range in size from about 1 inch to over 6 inches.12

Horned frogs are known for being frog-eating and can be aggressive when disturbed, with some capable of delivering sharp bites. Their diet also includes other small animals. Some species have rough, warty skin, which is an adaptation for drier environments.234

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

4 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Leptodactylidae
Horned frogs (Ceratophrys) are frog-eating South American forms that typically have a projecting flap, or “horn,” of skin above each eye. They have wide heads and mouths and range in length from about 2.5 cm (1 inch) in the small species to more than 15…
Read More
Horned frogs (Ceratophrys) are frog-eating South American forms that typically have a projecting flap, or “horn,” of skin above each eye. They have wide heads and mouths and range in length from about 2.5 cm (1 inch) in the small species to more than 15…
Read More