How Many Bells is a Tadpole Worth in Animal Crossing?

The humble tadpole, a wriggling, shadowy resident of your island’s ponds in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, might not be the most glamorous catch, but it’s a part of the game’s ecosystem. So, how much does this little amphibian larva fetch? The simple answer is 100 Bells. Yes, that’s right, the tadpole is one of the lowest-selling fish in the game.

Tadpole Basics: Where and When to Find Them

Before we delve deeper into the bell-earning potential (or lack thereof), let’s quickly review the basics about catching these tiny swimmers.

Availability and Location

• Season: Tadpoles are available in the Northern Hemisphere from March to July. The months may be reversed in the Southern Hemisphere, but availability is generally consistent.
• Time of Day: They can be caught all day long.
• Location: Tadpoles live exclusively in ponds. Look for their small shadow – it’s the smallest size of shadow you’ll encounter in the game.

This makes them relatively easy to find and catch, especially if you are new to the game. However, while this accessibility might lead you to think they will be profitable, their minimal value is a key element to understand.

Selling Tadpoles: To Nook’s Cranny or C.J.?

Now that you’ve caught a pond-full of tadpoles, where should you sell them? There are two main options: Timmy and Tommy at Nook’s Cranny or C.J., the boisterous beaver who visits your island randomly.

Nook’s Cranny: The Standard Rate

At Nook’s Cranny, the standard selling price for a tadpole is the aforementioned 100 Bells. This is the base rate for all items. Selling to Timmy and Tommy is quick and easy, making it a convenient option if you need bells in a hurry. However, it’s definitely not going to make you rich.

C.J.: The High-Value Option

If you’re lucky, you might find C.J. hanging around your island. C.J. will buy fish for 150% of their original selling price. This means that when you sell a tadpole to him, you will get 150 Bells. Although this is an increase of 50 bells, this is still a low profit margin and other fish would be far more worthwhile to sell to CJ. However, it’s worth noting that C.J. leaves at 5 AM the following day, so you should sell your fish to him before then!

Is Selling Tadpoles Worth it?

While the 50 bell increase from C.J. might be enticing, when considering the time it takes to catch the fish, you’d likely make more money hunting for larger fish, even if you have to wait longer to find them. Tadpoles are really more of a beginner catch or completionist pursuit rather than a source of income. They’re useful for the museum donations early on, and perhaps for filling your critterpedia, however, they definitely don’t hold much value.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some additional questions you might have about tadpoles and fishing in Animal Crossing:

1. What is the lowest-selling fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?

As mentioned earlier, the tadpole is the lowest-selling fish in the game, selling for 100 Bells at Nook’s Cranny.

2. What is the highest-selling fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?

The coelacanth is one of the highest-selling fish, with a base selling price of 15,000 Bells. The oarfish comes in second with a base selling price of 9,000 Bells.

3. How much does C.J. pay for an oarfish?

C.J. pays 13,500 Bells for an oarfish, which is 150% of its original 9,000 bell selling price.

4. How much does C.J. pay for a coelacanth?

C.J. will give you a whopping 22,500 Bells for a coelacanth, making it one of the most profitable catches in the game.

5. Are tadpoles only found in ponds?

Yes, tadpoles can only be found in ponds and nowhere else. They won’t be found in the ocean or the river.

6. What other creatures share the pond with tadpoles?

Tadpoles share their pond habitat with other creatures like crawfish, killifish, and frogs.

7. How can I identify a tadpole’s shadow in the water?

Tadpoles have the smallest shadow size of all the fish. It’s a tiny, barely visible black blob.

8. What is the best time of the year to fish for tadpoles?

In the Northern Hemisphere, tadpoles are available from March to July. The months may differ for the Southern Hemisphere.

9. Is it better to sell fish to C.J. or Nook’s Cranny?

It’s almost always better to sell to C.J. if you’re trying to earn the most bells, as he pays 150% of the base price. However, if you need a quick buck and don’t want to wait for him to visit, Nook’s Cranny will do just fine.

10. What is the rarest fish in Animal Crossing?

The coelacanth is often cited as one of the rarest fish due to its specific weather conditions and spawn rate.

11. How do I find C.J. on my island?

C.J. will appear randomly on your island, often around the beach or near the pier. There is no way to guarantee his appearance.

12. How long does C.J. stay on my island?

C.J. stays on your island until 5 AM the following day.

13. Can I only sell fish to C.J.?

No, C.J. only buys fish. Flick buys bugs and both of them cannot buy items of the other’s specialty.

14. Is there any way to increase the chances of catching rare fish?

While there’s no guaranteed method, some players believe that using fish bait can increase your odds by guaranteeing a fish to spawn.

15. What should I do with tadpoles besides selling them?

Besides selling, you can donate them to the museum, or keep them in your home to display. Tadpoles are also essential for completing your Critterpedia.

Conclusion

While tadpoles are undeniably cute and easy to catch, their value in Bells is minimal. They serve as a reminder that not every catch in Animal Crossing is about profit. They help complete your museum collection and Critterpedia, and are a part of the game’s unique ecosystem, despite their humble worth. If you’re trying to rake in the bells, you’d be best to look elsewhere!