The compensatory effect of tail regeneration on swimming speed in larval Hoplobatrachus chinensis Osbeck, 1765 (Anura: Ranidae) after tail removal

We used Hoplobatrachus chinensis tadpoles as a model species to evaluate if the locomotor costs of tail loss could be compensated by tail regeneration. Different proportion (0%, 20%, 40% and 60%) of tail segment were removed in four experimental groups and the tadpoles were reared for 7 days. Swimming speed was measured three times for each experimental tadpole: before tail removal, after tail removal, and 7 days from tail removal. Gosner’s stage, body length, tail length and survival rate were measured for each experimental tadpole before tail removal and at 7 days from tail removal. We daily measured the length of the regenerative tail and of the remaining tail in 20% to 60% tail removal treatments. Overall, our results suggest that (1) tail removal affects final tail length and swimming speed, but not body length, developmental stage and survival rate in captive H . chinensis tadpoles; (2) tadpoles with more serious tail injuries have faster tail regeneration rate; (3) swimming speed can be compensated with tail regeneration after tail removal.