How healthy are Fantasy Frogs?

[Nathan Tetzlaff]

I'm currently researching what type of Pacman frog I want to get. During all of my reading, I keep coming across posts that seem to suggest that fantasy frogs are less healthy than other non-hybrid pacman frogs. What's the general consensus on the over-all health of fantasy frogs? So far I've seen the following observations from various posts around the internet:

1) Fantasy frogs are created using hormones which have negative side-effects
2) Certain patterns of fantasy frog have more issues than others, namely the "red" variety
3) Fantasy frogs are more prone to having health complications due to being a hybrid
4) Fantasy frogs tend to live shorter lives than non-hybrid pacman frogs

The posts I've found never go into much detail beyond these observations.

[nirotorin]

That's strange. Usually hybrids are heartier. With inbreeding, and hormones though who knows.

[Pyxiefan001]

What I do know is that Ceratophrys corunta is a half parent to fantasy frogs, and is more easily prone to stress. Fantasies have tendencies to inherit this quality. Not sure on the other things.

[Lija]

1) Fantasy frogs are created using hormones which have negative side-effects

false! hormones that had been used for breeding has zero effect on off springs, they don't change genetic information

2) Certain patterns of fantasy frog have more issues than others, namely the "red" variety

false too! however certain morphs of cranwelli are know for being prone to more health complications, let's put it this way the father from mother nature the closer to the doctor.

3) Fantasy frogs are more prone to having health complications due to being a hybrid

arguable, they are more stable and manageable in comparison to cornuta.

4) Fantasy frogs tend to live shorter lives than non-hybrid pacman frogs

false, there are no enough data to support that statement, life span depends on genetics, conditions a frog is living in, nutrition and stress levels.

[GrifTheGreat]

Lija has this covered.

I will add that the theory that Hybrids are heartier is entirely false. Most of the time if the genetics don't match well then the hybrid will suffer from deformities, poor growth, or compromised immune systems. Key example is Ceratophrys cranwelli x C. joazeirensis the Green Apple Pacman. Most hybrids are also unable to mate because they're sterile.

[Pheathers]

I have a green fantasy (cornuta/cranwelli) that's almost 2 years old. He seems healthy enough, no real problems except he's a very picky eater. My b/f once bought a red fantasy froglet and it never ate/grew and died. I read somewhere that the red fantasy frogs are really ornata/cranwelli crosses and almost never make it past the froglet stage. After scouring the 'net, we couldn't find any pictures of adult red fantasy frogs, but a lot of pictures of froglets. We think the reds are produced because they look cool and sell, but they just end up dying.

The health of hybrid animals really varies. Mules are usually healthy (horse/donkey), while something like a savannah (serval/domestic cat) may have health problems. It usually depends on how closely the animals are related genetically.

[Mentat]

Would not stop getting a frog (or fish) I like because of it being a hybrid. IMO, it appears Fantasies are overall healthier than some of the new "albino" morphs that suffer from constipation and other problems. Good luck !

[GrifTheGreat]

Would not stop getting a frog (or fish) I like because of it being a hybrid. IMO, it appears Fantasies are overall healthier than some of the new "albino" morphs that suffer from constipation and other problems. Good luck !

The constipation issue is caused by a imbalance within the digestive tract not due to a genetic anomaly.

You can try dusting with a crictical care formula like Repta Boost if you don't want to risk stress by offering the liquid form orally. It should correct any imbalance in the digestive tract.

[Lija]

just to clarify - when we talk about fantasy frogs we talk about cranwelli and cornuta cross.
ornata x cranwelli cross is called orwell and almost never produced, they look nothing like fantasy frogs and rarely make it to adulthood.

[BerserkApe]

My fantasy, Nurgle, is perhaps the most active of my Pacmans. He actually crawls and leaps after crickets ( even going as far as leaping and snatching falling crickets before they hit the ground). But, he's the most hesitant to feed from tongs.As for his coloration he's forest green, with a lime green "W" across his back. Then he's peppered with black and red splotches. The only deformity is that he has extra fingers on his front feet.

[NialR35]

One thing I'd like to point out is that I rarely and barely have seen any full grown samurais, green apples, red fantasies. I really wonder why.... I want for my next frog to be either I of those....but is there any reason why you barely find people with full grown adult samurais/green apples/fantasies?

Do they have tendencies to be unhealthy/ die sooner/more fragile? I'd figure they'd be more of them around since their colors/patterns make them very appealing.

[Nathan Tetzlaff]

One thing I'd like to point out is that I rarely and barely have seen any full grown samurais, green apples, red fantasies. I really wonder why.... I want for my next frog to be either I of those....but is there any reason why you barely find people with full grown adult samurais/green apples/fantasies?

Do they have tendencies to be unhealthy/ die sooner/more fragile? I'd figure they'd be more of them around since their colors/patterns make them very appealing.

I don't own any frogs, so my advice should be taken with a grain of salt - I'm only doing research at this stage. I can't really comment on red fantasy frogs or samurais because I haven't read a lot about either. One thing I've seen mentioned repeatedly however, is that green apple frogs have health complications. Despite excellent care, many die young. I'd consider green apple frogs "special needs", and only consider them if you're prepared to deal with complications down the road.

[Mentat]

My fantasy, Nurgle, is perhaps the most active of my Pacmans. He actually crawls and leaps after crickets ( even going as far as leaping and snatching falling crickets before they hit the ground). But, he's the most hesitant to feed from tongs.As for his coloration he's forest green, with a lime green "W" across his back. Then he's peppered with black and red splotches. The only deformity is that he has extra fingers on his front feet.

Sounds like a cute frog, please start a thread with pics of your fantasy Nurgle !

[Lija]

I don't own any frogs, so my advice should be taken with a grain of salt - I'm only doing research at this stage. I can't really comment on red fantasy frogs or samurais because I haven't read a lot about either. One thing I've seen mentioned repeatedly however, is that green apple frogs have health complications. Despite excellent care, many die young. I'd consider green apple frogs "special needs", and only consider them if you're prepared to deal with complications down the road.

that is excellent, that is what we keep telling people always do your research first and only then decide on/if you are gonna get someone.
you're right about green apples.

[Pheathers]

I'm really curious about the red phase fantasies, I'm sure there are people here who've had them. I'd like to know if any of them reached adult hood. I still see baby red fantasies when I go to reptile shows, but I'll never buy one...Here's a pic I found. Very pretty.