Feed for amphibian larvae

11juli2007
Source: Reptielen en amfibiën, R. Davies en V. Davies, 1997, Tirion
The food demands of frog larvae and that of salamander larvae are completely different. Frog larvae are primarily herbivores. They accept pulverised fish flake feed. They also graze the algae from the windows of the aquarium. After some time they become omnivores, after which they are also capable of eating meat. For this purpose, a small piece of lean raw beef can be hung from a string into the aquarium.
This meat has to be replaced daily to prevent pollution. Some types of polliwogs are cannibalistic. These tadpoles will eat their brothers and sisters and should therefore be brought up separated.
Salamander larvae are carnivores. They need small animals. To start with, infusorians can be fed, a little bit daily. But more about infusorians later.
At a later stage, salamander larvae eat water fleas, followed by mosquito larvae, white worms (Enchytraeus aldibus), grindalworms, and small red worms. Water fleas, which also live on infusorians, can be cultivated in a task. They can also be purchased from aquarium shops. White worms are very fatty. Use these moderately and only in combination with other feed.

Infusorians are micro-organisms that live in water, such as protozoa and single-celled algae. Sometimes, infusorians can be purchased from aquarium shops. A culture can also be started by putting lettuce leaves in jar of water and leave it in the sun. The water will turn green. Make sure, however, that the water does not turn green entirely. Otherwise, not enough oxygen will remain for the larvae.