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What Attracts Tadpoles?

Since tadpoles are the water-bound larvae of frogs, attracting tadpoles often starts with attracting frogs. If frogs choose to breed in a given area, the tadpoles will develop there as well. Once the tadpoles appear though, there are still things that need to be done to ensure they remain.

Chemical-Free Water
- Frogs have been known to occasionally lay eggs in wading pools.
  
  Frogs need water in which to lay their eggs to ensure they won't dry up. Some species only breed in water. The water must be clean and free of chemicals. A lot of tap water has extra chemicals, so it should be treated to remove them before creating a habitat for tadpoles, like a frog pond or transferring tadpoles into a container to raise. Chemicals may be removed by placing water in an open container and leaving it in direct sunlight for at least five days. Tadpoles are most attracted to warm water, because water temperature affects the speed of their development. The warmer the water, the faster they develop.
Shade and Shelter
- Water lilies and other floating plant life can provide shelter for tadpoles.
  
  Shade is extremely important for effective tadpole environments. If water is in direct sunlight, the water could become too hot and kill the tadpoles. Shelter is also important not only to tadpoles, but also to the frogs laying the eggs. Both tadpoles and adults want places to hide from predators. Shrubs, particularly native plants, near the water's edge usually provide good shelter and shade.
Food Sources
- Algae is found in many natural ponds and rivers.
  
  Native plants are helpful in attracting food sources for the animals as well. Plants attract insects that the adult frogs eat, and tadpoles consume the decaying plant material. Algae is also a solid food source for a developing tadpole. If algae is unavailable, boiled lettuce can be used as feed as well. Areas with plentiful food sources are the best attraction for frogs and tadpoles alike.
Oxygen
- Plants releases oxygen into the air during respiration.
  
  Tadpoles are often found in large schools, which means they have high oxygen requirements. They get their oxygen from the water, so sufficient oxygen-producing plant life is vital. Native aquatic plants, particularly those with submerged leaves, are ideal. Most algae also provides oxygen to the water. An area that may seem to have good water, shade, shelter and food may not be attracting tadpoles because the plant life is insufficient to meet their high oxygen requirements. Ornamental plants, like water lilies, which might offer good shelter, do not produce enough oxygen to provide for large schools of tadpoles.

Animals & Science