Crazy Tadpole Project!

[Radical Ribbits]

Ok, so I found more info on feeding tadpoles bloodworms that have been gut loaded with vitamins to aid in bone growth so they develope properly and dont have problems as froglets. I couldnt find any in my area petstores that have this in the label so I did make the decision to add a multivitamin powdered suppliment to the treated water that I use to make water changes. I read that a pinch in 10 gal. Of water is all that is needed. I use smaller buckets so adjusted accordingly. Also I have noticed something that I have not seen any one else reference. I have been anxious about their color, as they are all brown as tadpoles and I should have a mix of a few colors. They are developing front arm buds and the color is just now coming in. There are two larger ones that are turning a greenish color, one seems to be brighter than the other. I didn't know at what stage they would begin to develope color, but now we know. They also have a body length of about an inch.

[Radical Ribbits]

Everyone seems to have a general idea of tadpole morphology, but unless you actually see it happen you may not know some strange things about it. I made a discovery about my developing tadpoles today! Maybe some of you know this already, but this will may surprise others! Such a weird, cool, disgusting they do when growing front limbs that I had know idea they did! They start off as a body and tail basically. From what I could see of the back legs, is they seem to start as tiny buds that grow and grow into big legs. I have been waiting for what seems to be an eternity for the front legs to develope. I thought they were coming in as large bumps just behind and under the jaw. This morning to my surprise a tadpole had just one front leg and it was completey developed! I started to investigate, because I was thinking "Where the heck did that come from?", and found a hole in its other side with a little finger sticking out! I then started looking at the others who have two holes in their sides! From my observations it seems that the front legs develope under a layer of skin. They stretch it out as they grow making it translucent as it thins, then Pow! It breaks open and out comes two fully formed legs! Like holding your arms inside a T-shirt, making it appear that you are armless, then you push them out through the sleeves! Eeeew gross! Yet, Cool!

[Radical Ribbits]

I have lowered the water level of the tadpoles who now have front legs and they have artifcial aquarium plants to hall up out of the water on. Will continue with bloodworms.

[Radical Ribbits]

I had two more pop their arms. I now have them all in seperate deli cups with moist paper towels. Not interested in food at the moment, I think they are ready to absorb their tails!

[Revosok]

I raised some gray tree frog tadpoles over the summer, and I observed the same thing. If you look closely, you will the see that the arms develop as bumps underneath the skin. They spontaneously pop out once they are fully formed .

[LauraS]

This thread is making me want to give raising tadpoles a try. That's so fascinating!

[Radical Ribbits]

I cant believe how fast these guys develope. Ober night their mouths change into frog mouths and it has been a few days and their tails are practically gone! Very cool!