* Algae: Tadpoles are herbivores and their main food source is algae, both the green stuff growing on rocks and the tiny phytoplankton floating in the water.
* Bacteria: They also munch on bacteria found in the water.
* Detritus: This is basically decaying plant and animal matter, like leaves and dead insects that fall into the water.
* Some Tadpoles are Carnivores: A few tadpole species are actually carnivorous and will eat smaller tadpoles or even small invertebrates.
What they DON'T eat: Unlike adult frogs, tadpoles don't eat insects or other larger prey. Their mouths are designed for scraping algae and filtering water.
Fun Fact: Tadpoles have a special "mouth scraper" called a "labial tooth" that helps them scrape off algae and bacteria.