Forest Oak Middle School Bay Studies Program

Introduction to Tadpoles

Tadpoles are the larvae stage of the frog. When tadpoles first hatch, they have gills so they can breathe. Tadpoles develop legs after a few weeks or months depending on the type of frog. The tail of the tadpole will eventually disappear. Tadpoles have fleshy lips with rows of teeth for eating water plants. Tadpoles may also eat dead animals. Sometimes, tadpoles eat each other. Tadpoles move by wiggling their tales.