Dorsally, tadpoles are uniformly dark brown, appearing nearly black under daylight conditions. In individuals approaching metamorphosis (beyond Gosner Stage 40), the characteristic brown dorsal pattern of the toadlet becomes apparent. Dark pigmentation of the body extends onto the muscular portion of the tail as a distinct dark band. Tail fins are pigmented along their margins, becoming progressively lighter toward the junction with the tail musculature. In ventral view, the skin is pale; however, internal organs are enveloped by a dense, dark layer of pigment cells, and gut coils are usually not visible. Gills are bright red. The oral disc is pale ventrally, with slight pigmentation on surfaces oriented dorsally or laterally.