Verdigris Patina

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Taking Care Of Tadpoles

Because frogs are amphibians, they need bodies of fresh water to reproduce. This activity is triggered by early weather conditions; the weather becomes warmer and the days get longer. This will bring them out of hibernation and begin the family cacophony of frog noises. This ‘song’ is designed to attract females and repel males.

As many as 6000 eggs can be laid in clumps which attach themselves to submerged plants or just on the side of a body of water. After the male fertilizes the egg each one is surrounded by a substance that quickly absorbs water and forms a thick jelly-like protective capsule. When this activity is over, mom and dad leave the pond and go about their merry way.

Within hours the egg begins to change… within 3 days the shape of the developing tadpole can be seen. As it grows, the tadpole is nourished by the yolk part of the egg. On the 8th or 9th day, the tadpole erupts from the capsule and clings to the jelly mass, or to water plants, by a pad of sticky sucker like ‘things’ below the mouth. By the 16th day, these little guys need to actively seek food. Tadpoles usually feed in humus and vegetable matter, such as algae, found in the pond. Therefore, careful consideration should be given if introducing them to a new pond, especially if there is nothing for them to eat.

As they get older tadpoles become carnivorous and will grow rapidly. If your pond is somewhat established their only problem may be the existing community; predators such as fish, garter snakes, dragonfly larvae, giant water beetles.

Tadpoles will stay in the pond close to the edge until July or August where they will live among the vegetation – feeding on tiny insects and other invertebrates. They may still fall prey to birds… especially our friend the blue heron, also snakes, turtles and of course koi and goldfish.

After the mature frog leaves the pond, it will continue to feed on a variety of invertebrates or in the case of your new bullfrog, smaller vertebrates. Most frogs will eat only live food. It is the movement of the ‘meal’, which actually provokes the feeding response.

Be careful not to handle your frogies too much. The salt content of your sweat can be dangerous to the little guys if holding them too long. Most frogs, not being used to being handled, will empty the contents of their bladder and bowels upon being handled! In other words, they will get skeered and peepee all over you :P

Let’s talk about the bullfrog tadpole, in particular. These guys take up to three years to mature. At the end of that time they may reach of 8 inches! They are usually a mottled greenish to brownish, and have powerful hind legs banded in dark or light brown. They have a very aquatic habit and prefer large, deep, but well vegetated ponds, lakes, rivers and marshes.

In the wild large specimens are known to eat small birds and snakes; though aquatic insects, crayfish and small fish seem to be it’s staple diet. Keep this information in mind when considering introducing them to your pond, especially if you have different sizes of fish. Your larger koi will more than likely eat the tadpole before it matures, so consider having an area where they will be safe. If a mature frog is introduced to your pond, instead, it will help ensure they will stay in close proximity especially after they mature.

Posted by kev :: 8:53 AM ::