Effect of temperature on development, growth and bioenergetics of the bullfrog tadpole Rana tigrina

Abstract

1.1. Larval development and metamorphosis of Rana tigrina were prolonged at 22°C, compared to 27, 32 and 37°C. 2.2. Rates of consumption (C_r), absorption (A_r), production (P_r) and metabolism (M_r) of the tadpole increased with temperature (T). 3.3. Food conversion efficiency is significantly affected by temperature but not absorption efficiency. 4.4. Size of tadpole at climax (E + o) is determined by temperature through the multicollinear effect of bioenergetics and developmental parameters. 5.5. Temperature does not affect metamorphic efficiency. 6.6. Optimum temperature for mass culture of the tadpole is 27°C, at which the tadpoles metamorphosed into larger froglets (1.68 g) in a relatively short time (24 days) with maximum growth efficiency (22%).