Black Tadpoles

Black Tadpoles - Tadpoles are the juvenile stage of amphibians, the transitional stage between egg and adult amphibian. The term is most often used to refer to the offspring of frogs and toads. Toads live in water and breathe through gills. They eat microscopic algae, among other things. Tadpoles begin life as eggs laid in the water by the female frog or toad. The egg is surrounded by a clear, jelly-like sheath, which the little tadpole wriggles out of when it's ready. Tadpoles breathe through gills and start out with a tail longer than their body, which can make them look like a fish. Gradually, first the hind legs and then the front legs grow out, and the tail shrinks and disappears. Development from tadpole to frog takes a few months, but is usually faster in captivity, due to warmer temperatures and more food. Once tadpoles have grown forelegs (about a week after hind legs), it is important that they have the opportunity to walk on land, as their lungs develop at this time. After they have grown forelegs, it takes no more than about 4-5 days for the tail to shrink.