Need I.D. please!

[Jace]

I got a phonecall from my local petstore that with their shipment of feeder fish, they received two tadpoles. I went up to have a look and couldn't just leave them. However, though I am leaning towards American Bullfrogs, I cannot be sure as they look different than Poe.

They are a lot smaller than Poe (the little one is only about half the size); they have very distinct, well defined black dots on their tails; they have darker bodies, and, most importantly, both already have back legs.

A quick ID would be greatly appreciated. If they are American Bullfrogs, I will most likely NOT keep them as I don't think I can afford to feed three adult bullfrogs plus the rest of my zoo. If they aren't, I may be willing to give them a permanent home. Thanks everyone.

[John]

Look like Bullfrogs.

[Jace]

Dang it. I had a feeling. I was hoping that because they were so small and already morphing that there was a chance they could be something else. Sigh...now what the heck do I do with them?

[Ebony]

Jace, I find that you can get all sizes of tadpole in the same species and I think it depends on the temps and food supply where they live. Ive seen Green & Golden Bell frog tadpole range from 2cm at the same age to 11cm.

[Jace]

Sigh, thanks Ebony. I was just hoping. I hate the thought of them being killed simply because no-one wants them. But I am not sure if I can afford to raise three American Bullfrogs once they reach adulthood. See my dilema?? I don't know what I should do with them now.

[Ebony]

Surly someone would want them. Maybe you will have to raise them to frogs first. Do people over your way prefer CB?

[Jace]

I know several people that have Dwarf Aquatic frogs and African Clawed frogs, and one that has a Green Tree frog....but on-one has the experience with the variety that I have, never mind dealing with a bullfrog. I know I can handle three in terms of setups, and time...it's my pocketbook that I am concerned about.

[Ebony]

Hmmm, I understand your dilemma. Is a pocketbook a wallet?

[Jace]

Lol-yes, pocketbook is a wallet. I know Bullfrogs are hearty eaters, and the thought of two extra mouths....of course, I feed my three African Giants without problem, but they go for periods of several weeks where they won't touch a lick of food. I don't think American Bullfrogs do that. It's the constant supply of food that worries me.

[Ebony]

What about breeding your own food. I save heaps with my locusts..

[Jace]

About the only thing I could breed is crickets (which I am not fond of), mealworms (which are not high enough in nutritional value to have as a staple) and Hissing Roaches (that I am working on, but they usually only have two batches of young a year and the babies take forever to reach a decent size). Locusts and other roaches are banned in Canada. But I did find a Canadian Reptile/Amphibian Feeder Food online, so I am pricing out what it would cost to do it that way. Still haven't decided yet what I am going to do with them....but I kinda, sort of, want to keep them.....

[tyjare]

I was looking at frogs found in my area, because i am a nerd, and i thought of this thread. There is a frog that looks very similar to the bullfrog but it has ridges along its back and it only grows to about 3 to 4 inches. I looked up tadpole pictures and i cant tell the difference from these to bullfrog tadpoles. since your tads are smaller you think these could be the frog? I am no expert tho and would really ask john and Kurt about it. It also may help if i knew where you got the tads from.

[Kurt]

Those are green frogs, Lithobates clamitans melanota.

[Jace]

Kurt, are you referring to my tads or what Tyler wrote?

Tyler, the pet store said the tadpoles came in with a shipment of feeder fish from Florida. Where in Florida I am not sure.

[Amphibians]

I had the exact same situation with a tad at my pet store. It is completely done with metamorphosis, and looked exactly like yours when it was a tad, I will take some pictures and post when I get my camera out. Maybe it will give you an idea, and I can get an ID.

[Jace]

That would be great, Richie, I would greatly appreciate it. Not that I don't trust John, but if these guys weren't bullfrogs, I would be able to keep them and raise them. So the sooner I can find out the better.

[Amphibians]

Ok, i will try to have it up by later tonight

[Jace]

You rock! Thanks!

[Kurt]

Kurt, are you referring to my tads or what Tyler wrote?

What Tyler wrote.

[tyjare]

Yeah that species doesn't go down as far as Florida.Sorry i thought i may have had some good news Yeah in my rush i forgot name, and Kurt I saw them listed as Rana Clamitans Melanota. Was there a name change? just want to get it right for future times. Thanks