What Do Larval Frogs Eat?

Diatoms

• These single-cell organisms are one of the most unique and widespread organisms on Earth. They are plant-like and utilize photosynthesis to create energy. These organisms are too small to be seen individually. When looked at under the microscope, diatoms are geometric, but diverse in shape from long ovals to pyramids. Tadpoles are small enough to feed on these diatoms, which are present in saltwater and freshwater. Diatoms tend to clump together in larger quantities and look like mud or algae at the bottom of a pond.

Algae

• This term applies to a broad range of plant-like organisms and has been applied to diatoms. Algae are organisms which make use of photosynthesis and can be single or multicellular. Certain types of seaweed are considered algae and are the largest, most complex forms of organism in this group. Algae clumps together on the water's surface, floating in the water, on the bottom of a pond and on the sides of rocks, trees and on moist soil. Tadpoles feed on these small plants throughout their larval stage.

Lettuce

• Those raising tadpoles usually feed them lettuce. Any variety of this leafy green will do for tadpole food. It's low in calories, but offers lots of vitamins A and C, calcium and iron. The lettuce must be prepared before it is given to the tadpoles, boiled for three to four minutes and then allowed to cool. It is thinly sliced into small ribbons and stored in a plastic bag. A pinch of lettuce is fed to the tadpoles at a time.

Cannibalism

• Some species of tadpoles have been known to eat smaller tadpoles of theirs and other species. For instance, the larval Rococo toad eats the bottom-dwelling tadpoles of other species. This habit occurs in many species of frog larvae, sometimes even with other plentiful food. Those raising tadpoles to frogs will need to increase the amount of food given if they notice tadpoles eating each other. If the problem remains, it is necessary to separate the smaller tadpoles from the group for their own safety.