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Tadpoles can die from lack of oxygen (Terry Brooker)WILDLIFE INFORMATION SERVICE

Frequently Asked Questions about... spawn and tadpoles:


I've found dead tadpoles in the pond, what's happened to them?

The most common cause of tadpoles suddenly dying is an algal bloom.

If there has been some warm weather and the water has turned green, this indicates that there is a lot of algae growing in the water. Algae removes oxygen leaving the water 'anoxic' and the tadpoles suffocate. To avoid this happening again, make sure the pond is not completely in full sunlight and that there are plenty of aquatic plants present to use up excess nutrients and stop too much algae growing.

If the water is not green then it could be that some sort of chemical/product has been washed off surrounding land by rain and run into the pond. If you suspect this to be the case contact the Environment Agency.


More information:
What's the best pond design for amphibians? >>>
Environment Agency. >>>




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