How To

How to Care for African Clawed Frog Tadpoles

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(6 Ratings)

African clawed frogs are a great species for both seasoned herpetology enthusiasts and beginners in reptile and amphibian husbandry. The tadpole stage is by far the most challenging point in successfully rearing an African clawed frog. They're delicate and require diligent care, but the success of bringing a tadpole to adulthood gives you a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Just follow these steps.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Separate the adults from the tadpoles. The adult frogs will quickly make a meal of the tadpoles if they're left together. If you're rearing more than one tadpole, have an adult habitat ready and transfer them away from the remaining tadpoles as soon as they metamorphose.

  2. Step 2

    Provide at least a pint of water for each tadpole. Optimally, this water should be about 75 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 26 degrees Celsius). You can achieve this easily and consistently by using an aquarium heater. You should change 98 percent of the water daily, even if it seems clean. This is due to the fact that the tadpoles are extremely delicate and can have trouble obtaining enough oxygen in even slightly dirty water.

  3. Step 3

    Feed the tadpoles properly. The African clawed frog tadpoles have no mouth parts and rely on filter feeding. Therefore, it's important to make sure their food is finely ground into almost microscopic particles. You can feed them powdered egg, boiled and pureed spinach leaves or very finely ground fish flakes.

  4. Step 4

    Monitor their feeding rate and adjust your amounts accordingly. It should take them about an hour and a half to eat their food. If it takes them less time, feed them more. If it takes them longer, feed them less and make sure the food is small enough.

  5. Step 5

    Avoid handling or disturbing the tadpoles. They're extremely delicate and even the slightest handling can over stress them. They will begin to change in about 8 weeks and will be hardier at that point.

Tips & Warnings
  • You can aid the amount of oxygen in the water by using a slow and gentle bubbler. Be sure to avoid anything vigorous or you will harm the tadpoles.

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