Gosner stage is a generalized system of describing stages of embryonal and larval development in anurans (frogs and toads). The Gosner system includes 46 numbered stages, from fertilized embryo (stage 1) to the completion of metamorphosis (stage 46). It was introduced by Kenneth Gosner in 1960.^[2] The system is widely used in herpetology^[3][4][5][6] to describe exotrophic tadpoles.^[3] Gosner stages are based on certain morphological landmarks that allow comparing development in different species that may greatly differ in age or size.^[3]

The Gosner system includes 46 stages, from fertilized embryo (stage 1) to the completion of metamorphosis (stage 46). In the original publication, only two major developmental stages were distinguished, embryonic or prefeeding stages (1–25) and larval stages (26–46).^[2] McDiarmid and Altig (1999) distinguish four major developmental stages, as detailed in the table below.^[3]

In ecological literature, the term "hatchling" may refer to stages 24–26.^[3] However, for direct-developing species, hatching occurs in the end of the development.^[5]

As a generalized system, Gosner stages may not be adequate for describing development of some anuran tadpoles.^[3] For example, in the torrent-dwelling tadpoles of Ansonia longidigita and Meristogenys orphnocnemis, the usual Gosner stages become inappropriate beyond the stage 41 because the tadpoles retain their oral disc longer than the system depicts. This is interpreted as an adaptation that allows the tadpoles to cling to the rocks until the tail is almost fully resorbed.^[8] In Limnonectes limborgi, the tadpoles are free-living but non-feeding ("nidicolous") and retain their yolk sac until stage 37, at least.^[9] Direct-developing frogs hatch directly as froglets, without free-living larval stage.^[3]