A tadpole is an amphibian. It is the juvenile stage of frogs and toads, characterized by its aquatic lifestyle, gills for breathing underwater, and a tail for swimming. Unlike fish, tadpoles eventually undergo metamorphosis, transforming into adult amphibians with legs and lungs, allowing them to live both in water and on land.
This unique life cycle is a defining feature of amphibians, setting them apart from fish, which do not undergo such drastic physical changes. While tadpoles may resemble fish in their early stages, they belong to a different class of animals known for their ability to transition between aquatic and terrestrial environments.