Pelobatrachus nasutus has a large head, wide mouth, and sharp, pointed triangular projections above each eye and on the snout, which resemble “horns” and give the species its name. The species inhabits low altitude primary and secondary forests and to some extent tolerates disturbed habitats. P. nasutus can be expected in many parts of Borneo but also Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Sumatra. 

Females grow up to 120 mm snout-vent length, males are substantially smaller; the sexual dimorphism is pronounced in this species. The dorsal coloration mimics dead leaves. Adults bear peculiar, black, conical tubercles on their back. The ventral pigmentation is dark brown or reddish brown anteriorly in adult males, lighter posteriorly.  

The species is a sit and wait predator that is able to consume large insects, milipeds, snails, and even small vertebrates. 

Both in the adults and the tadpoles the species appears to be quite variable in coloration. 

Similarly to other species of the genus, P. nasutus has a highly specialised tadpole with upwardly directed, umbelliform mouthparts. The special mouth allows them to collect fine organic matter (pollen, dust, small algae, bacteria) from the surface of the water.