Tadpole is called the larval stage of amphibians having short and oval bodies with no external gills. Almost every tadpole is aquatic, but some tadpoles are terrestrial. Some traits may not exist in adult amphibians, amphibian-like gills, lateral lines, and tails. 

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Tadpoles are primarily herbivores; however, some species are carnivores. As they undergo metamorphosis, they follow a pattern of gradual development, and eventually, they come out of the water and breathe in air as froglets or toadlets. This article will cover what type of bodies and appearance do they have. 

What Tadpoles Look Like?

Tadpoles are the larval stage of amphibians, an intermediate stage between embryo and adult. They vary considerably in size between species as well as in development. For example, paradoxical frog’ tadpoles can make 27 cm but after development to adults shrink to the size of 3.4 cm to 7.6 cm. 

Most tadpoles are vegetarians. Their gut is long and spiral so to digest organic matter efficiently. The gut of most of the tadpoles can be seen from outside through their bellies. The short oval-shaped bodies have broad tails and tiny mouths with no external gills. They have internal gills which are hidden by covering known as the operculum. 

As they grow, their bodies have to face many changes. Their back legs grow first then, their front legs grow. Gradually, their tail is absorbed into the body and ultimately vanishes. Their intestine also changes, and its size shortens, converting them from herbivores to carnivores. Lungs also start to develop, and after their development, they begin to come out from the water and breathe in air. Moreover, at the final stages of their development, their small mouth, enclosed at the front end of the head, also changes to largemouth with width equal to their head.