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  you are in: ADVICE > FAQs > SPAWN AND TADPOLES > FEEDING TADPOLES



Advice and Resources

Frequently Asked Questions about...

Spawn and tadpoles

Should I feed the tadpoles in my pond?

Quick answer
This is not usually necessary unless the pond is very new.

Further information
Ponds normally provide enough food for tadpoles without any need to supplement their diet. Newly hatched tadpoles are herbivorous and feed on the algae that grows on plants or on rocks in the pond, particularly those exposed to the sun. In the latter stages of their development they become omnivorous, feeding on decaying matter in the pond and tiny creatures such as water fleas (Daphnia).

Some people choose to supplement tadpole diets with boiled lettuce/spinach (to start) or fish flakes (for cold water fish). This approach is undoubtedly beneficial, especially if numbers are high or if the pond is relatively new, though adding too much food can pollute the water and may lead to unwanted algal blooms.

More on...

O Keeping tadpoles in captivity.
O
Green water/algae.
O Pond plants.
O Just Add Water.