I've read from other threads that bullfrog tadpoles are safe to use as feeders. But, I was wondering if the adults, Lithobates catesbeianus or Rana catesbeiana, were also okay to use. One source says that the frogs have poison glands while others say that they don't. So, if I am certain that I have an adult American bullfrog, should I feed it to my fish?
American Bullfrog
- Thread starter kwl1111
- Start date
I've fed bulls to fish & reptiles with no problems. Only poisonous ranid frog I know of in the US is the pickerel frog and we have tons of those, they're toxic as toads.
Dude
If you do have an adult Rana catesbeiana, then I'm quite sure you don't have a fish large enough to eat it.
These grow to the size of cantaloupes, or a bit larger. And no, they are not toxic. Their tadpoles are plentiful (Just make sure they are not toad tadpoles, which are small and black.)
But, I have found that not very many fish ENJOY tadpoles. I think they find them too slimy or something. That's just personal experience.
If you do have an adult Rana catesbeiana, then I'm quite sure you don't have a fish large enough to eat it.
These grow to the size of cantaloupes, or a bit larger. And no, they are not toxic. Their tadpoles are plentiful (Just make sure they are not toad tadpoles, which are small and black.)
But, I have found that not very many fish ENJOY tadpoles. I think they find them too slimy or something. That's just personal experience.
Thanks for the input. My friend is going to bring some home from bio class and is giving them to me. They are starting to form legs and my arowana is bound to get hungry. Don't know if could handle a cantaloupe though...
I read that the tadpoles taste bad which serves as a defense mechanism.
I read that the tadpoles taste bad which serves as a defense mechanism.
Not sure about bad tasting but I used to use bull tads for bass bait all the time with great results. BTW if by adult you meant newly-metamorphosed they should be about the size of the body of the tad, plus legs or course. Figure 2" give or take, picture a grown leopard frog except the bull would be stockier. Depending on the size or the aro I think he'd enjoy them, though if you want the best value consider feeding the frogs a couple times to fatten them up.
I was going to feed the newly metamorphosed frogs today and then keep one or two until they grew larger. The arowana is currently 28" and, now that I have the tadples in possession, will be feasting shortly.
