The tadpole of Ranitomeya variabilis is described based on preserved specimens from captive breed specimens. The tadpole of R. variabilis is similar to other dendrobatid tadpoles regarding tooth row formula, body shape, location of the spiracle, vent tube, and oral disc. It differs from other dendrobatid species, e.g., Allobates, Oophaga, and Phyllobates, in various aspects such as the absence of submarginal papillae, the shape of the jaw sheath, interorbital distance, and total length. Ranitomeya variabilis tadpoles undergo ontogenetic changes in the number of marginal papillae, the presence of jaw sheath serrations, jaw sheath keratinization, and tail color. The facultative cannibalistic feeding behavior of R. variabilis is discussed with respect to the species feeding ecology.