What do frog tadpoles eat?

Frog tadpoles are the larval stage of anurans (frogs and toads) and typically exhibit a diet different from that of their adult forms. While adult frogs are generally insectivores or carnivores, most tadpoles are herbivorous.12

These larvae are microphagous, meaning they feed primarily on algae and bacteria that coat aquatic plants and debris. They utilize specialized mouthparts, often including rows of keratin denticles and horny beaks, to graze on these food sources.3

While a herbivorous diet is the norm, it is important to note that the dietary habits of tadpoles can vary by species. A small number of species are known to be carnivorous or even cannibalistic. This dietary intake supports the rapid growth and development required for the metamorphosis process, during which the tadpole transitions into its adult form.21