Metamorphic animals can experience transitional periods in morphological development that impair aspects of functional performance. Such hurdles can reduce survival and fitness of intermediate developmental stages, a pattern termed the adaptive peaks hypothesis. The metamorphic tadpoles of frogs have been a prominent model for the study of this hypothesis. With the potential for interference between the two propulsive systems (tail and legs) present during peak metamorphosis, locomotor performance and survival could be reduced during this stage. Though previous studies have focused on generalist taxa like ranids, the adaptive peaks hypothesis has been accepted across Anura, with little attention given to species with different lifestyles. We addressed this gap through studies of the pipid Xenopus laevis, an aquatic specialist. We recently reported an increase in swimming performance and survival through metamorphosis, unlike more generalist frogs. These results suggest the adaptive peaks hypothesis does not apply as broadly as once thought, potentially because both the tail and limbs contribute to propulsion. However, statistical comparisons of filmed predation trials shows that more developed tadpoles and froglets are as likely to be captured as less developed tadpoles when attacked by cichlid fish. Thus, the increased survival of later stage Xenopus cannot be attributed solely to increased locomotor performance. Instead, older captured tadpoles are often spat out, potentially after kicking with clawed hind limbs and scratching the oral cavity of the fish. These observations reinforce our proposal that the adaptive peaks framework does not apply to all metamorphic frogs. Additional mechanisms may affect survival and the morphology-performance-fitness paradigm in the context of metamorphosis.