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Disappearing Tadpoles
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Posted by RayG UK (My Page) on Tue, Jul 12, 05 at 7:43
I have 3 ponds connected by stream/waterfall.
The bottom pond I have tried to keep wild, without adding any fish. I had quite a lot of tadpoles which all seemed to have disappeared before maturing (no legs etc),I have been told they would have been killed by dragonfly nymphs or waterboatmen, is this true? If so,what can I do in the future. It is not a large pond,so I dont think they have suddenly decided to hide,I thought they would be safer in the pond without fish, I have shubunkins & orfe in the other ponds.
Many thanks in anticipation
Regards
Ray |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Disappearing Tadpoles
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My ponds were 'black' with tadpoles again this year and then in the course of time they 'disappeared' (some get eaten by the fish of course) but they were still there!
They are VERY good at hiding - in the sediment at the bottom, amongst foliage, in plantpots etc., I very seldom saw/see them again until they start emerging as froglets.
Sue |
RE: Disappearing Tadpoles
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Thanks Sue,
I hope you are right.
What makes me think they have gone is until a few weeks ago, I would drop a few tiny pieces of dog meat in the pond and within a couple of minutes the tadpoles would be swarming all over the food (I read on a website it would be ok).I also noticed a couple of tiny fish about half an inch long,which probably came down the waterfall, they have also disappeared.The creatures I noticed in the water
swam with jerky movements and looked like dragonfly nymphs.
I will let you know if anything shows up.
Regards
Ray |
RE: Disappearing Tadpoles
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Ray
When tadpoles finally 'morph' into froglets they stop eating completely while they absorb their tails, so this could account for the lack of interest in food.
Sue |
RE: Disappearing Tadpoles
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| They are very good at hiding--try going out at night with a torch and you may see more activity. Just be careful where you step though, as the froglets tend to go exploring at night too. I have also noticed that the time it takes to get legs and morph is fairly short. The dragonfly nymphs are voracious, but they are also incredible in their own right. And afterall, tadpoles are designed to be eaten (is it out of a 1000 tadpoles, only 5 will make it to maturity on a good day?), so if you are getting plenty of spawn then on balance you must be getting enough tadpoles surviving. Best of luck |
RE: Disappearing Tadpoles
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- Posted by RayG UK (My Page) on
Tue, Jul 12, 05 at 11:11
The spawn was donated from a neighbours pond, so there was not that much, but hopefully all is not lost.
Many thanks.
Regards
Ray |
RE: Disappearing Tadpoles
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| Ray + all I have had the same worries. Really want to see a little froglet in my pond. Saw one fat tadpole 2 weeks ago when I disturbed some plants, no show since then. What time of year on average will the froglets appear? Mark |
RE: Disappearing Tadpoles
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Hi Mark,
I have noticed that when they get to a certain size they become very sensitive to me walking round the pond, and immediately dive down. I have sticklebacks in one pond, and they eat most of mine. Last year I only saw a few froglets, but hopefully more survived. I had some froglets about a month ago, but in my top fish free pond I still have lots of tads undeveloped.
Even if you are feeding dragonfly larvae, they are a beautiful thing (when grown up) to have in your pond. It's all nature, and if the tads weren't there there would be a lot less life in your pond. ps I agree with the advice to go out with a torch- you'll see alot more activity in your pond at night. |
RE: Disappearing Tadpoles
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| AT LAST! I caught sight of my first froglet. It was sunning itself on the decking with an adult frog near by in the water. It was so small, about 1cm, but perfectly formed and proportioned, just like a mini frog!. with a big grin
Mark |
RE: Disappearing Tadpoles
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| They are amazing, and so perfect! (And you never forget your first....) |
RE: Disappearing Tadpoles
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| Cheers Chippewacat, I def won't forget. Good job though cos not seen the little froglet since! Just hoping it is his keen sense of danger preventing me from spotting him.
Mark |
RE: Disappearing Tadpoles
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Here are a couple of mine.
I had ten in a bowl but each time i took a pic,
They had all separated.
I haven't been able to mow the grass around the pond for over two months now.
Dave |
Here is a link that might be useful: Froglets
RE: Disappearing Tadpoles
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| Ahhhh! I hear the natural look for lawns will be all the rage soon.... |
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