How to Feed Rana Clamitans Tadpoles

Children love collecting these speckled, pond-dwelling larvae of the green or bronze frog. In their native habitats across the Eastern United States and Canada, rana clamitans tadpoles require 18 to 24 months to mature. Indoors in a shallow tank, they develop from tadpoles to frog morphs to tiny frogs in about a year. Caring for tadpoles -- and observing their slow transformation -- encourages children and adults to learn more about them. In addition, the experience may help to nurture an appreciation of frogs, toads, and other amphibians, whose numbers continue to plummet worldwide.

Preparing Fresh Frozen Food

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  Rana clamitans tadpoles grow into secretive green or bronze pond frogs. Green Frog (Rana clamitans) on a rock in spring image by Steve Byland from Fotolia.com

  Wash leaves of romaine lettuce or spinach in tap water to remove any chemicals that may have been used in growing.

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  Pat the leaves dry with a paper towel.

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  Place them in a plastic bag or container.

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  Place the leaves in the freezer.

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  Break the frozen leaves into smaller bits for easy feeding.

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  Return to the freezer for storage.

Feeding the Tadpoles

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  Sprinkle a tablespoon of fresh frozen lettuce or spinach leaves for each tadpole. If using commercially prepared fish food, feed the amounts specified on the container.

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  Tadpoles commonly feed on algae. pond scum image by Allyson Ricketts from Fotolia.com

  Allow the tadpoles to nibble for about an hour.

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  Skim away any remaining food with an aquarium net. If necessary, reduce the amount offered during the next feeding.

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  Feed again in 12 hours.

Adding Supplements to the Water

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  Mix a commercially prepared reptile-amphibian supplement powder according to the manufacturer's instructions. Pollywogs World of Frogs (listed under Resources) recommends using Reptivite or Rep-Cal, which you can purchase from your local herpetology supplier.

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  Add this solution to the tadpole tank in the dosage amount specified on the container.

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  Repeat once a week, after a partial water change.