Live Vertebrates >> Amphibians >> Tadpoles (Various Sizes)

A tadpole (also known as a pollywog or polliwog) is a larval frog. In this stage it breathes by means of external or internal gills, is at first lacking legs, and has a finlike tail with which it swims as most fish do, by lateral undulation. As a tadpole matures, it metamorphoses by gradually growing limbs and then (in the case of frogs and toads) absorbing its tail by apoptosis (controlled cell death). Tadpoles depend very much on clean water. Most tadpoles are herbivorous, subsisting on algae or other greens such as boiled lettuce in captivity. However, they are true omnivores, being able to adapt to a carnivorous life style as well. When kept under herbivorous conditions, the gut becomes long and spiral. Under carnivore conditions, the gut becomes shorter. In a few species, some tadpoles turn cannibalistic under harsh conditions and feed on other tadpoles living in the pond.

Western chorus frogs tadpoles are seasonal, please call for availability. These tadpoles will complete their metamorphosis within one season.

Bullfrog tadpoles are available year round, and may take up to two years to complete their metamorphosis. CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE You might also be interested in the following items or information:

• Frog Eggs