Hobbies And Interests
Post Hatching
Tadpoles are frail creatures, comprised of a head that includes a mouth, eyes and gills, with a gut and tail. The newly hatched tadpole uses tiny adhesive organs between its mouth and abdomen to attach itself to aquatic plants. At this stage, the tadpole is nourished by yolk, which is contained in its gut. Tadpoles remain attached to aquatic vegetation for up to 10 days, after which they begin to swim freely, in search of algae to eat. They are easy prey for larger aquatic animals and remain camouflaged among plants and stones as much as possible.
Four Weeks of Age
By four weeks of age, skin begins to grow over the tadpole's external gills, which eventually disappear. Teeth begin to develop at this stage, and their coiled gut assists the tadpoles to utilize as much food as possible. They feed almost exclusively on algae at this stage. Tadpoles begin to interact with each other and can be found swimming in small groups or schools.
Six to Nine Weeks of Age
Tadpoles change from feeding on algae to being carnivorous once their limbs begin to develop. The arms are first to appear. The first signs of these emerging limbs are small bulges beneath the tadpole's skin. The front limbs appear with the elbow first. At this stage of development the tadpole develops a distinct head, and its body elongates. Tadpoles take on the appearance of minute frogs once both their forelegs and hind legs have developed.
Becoming Adult
The tadpole continues to absorb its tail, and once this process is complete, it's considered a froglet. The tiny creature is actively predating on aquatic insects and smaller tadpoles at this stage. The process of metamorphosis is temperature dependent, but typically takes anywhere between 12 and 16 weeks. The froglets are drawn to the edge of the pond or river at this point and prepare to leave the water for the first time in their lives.