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.