My new Xenopus Tads

[BugBoy99]

Hi Joh:

Thanks for keeping us informed of your progress with your tads. I am sure you have X. laevis. One important characteristic between X. laevis and X. muelleri are the length of the sensory tentacles. In laevis, the tentacles are about the width of the body while muelleri is twice the width. It looks like you are located in the southern fringe of muelleri range.

Well, that's good to know. Thank you for the information. I am located on the southern fringe of X. muelleri'sdistribution range, I believe that I live almost at the southernmost point of its distribution. I will post the rest of the pictures as soon as I have sufficient data. The tadpoles are now about 4 centimetres long, and are beginning to grow hind legs now. I don't know if this is common with the tadpoles of domesticated clawed frogs, but my tadpoles have a habit of floating along the bottom of the tank, and then blowing upon the food on the bottom. This pushes the food into the water, where the tadpoles easily suck the food into their mouths.

[tgampper]

I don't know if this is common with the tadpoles of domesticated clawed frogs, but my tadpoles have a habit of floating along the bottom of the tank, and then blowing upon the food on the bottom. This pushes the food into the water, where the tadpoles easily suck the food into their mouths.

Hi Joh:

There isn't much known about the feeding ecology of tadpoles in the wild. Tadpoles are superior suspension-feeders. They are able to extract virus-sized particles from the water and their filtration rates are better than that of most other species. The scientific explanation is quite complex but the behavior you are seeing is typical. Don't forget to keep good notes.

[tgampper]

Hi Joh:

There are several states in the U.S. that do not allow keeping Xenopus unless you have a special permit. Most of the states are on the west coast. What will you be studying and what university will you be attending?