Frog Spawn Please Help

Siamoure · #1 (**permalink**) 20-04-2010, 01:02 PM

Please help.
We have set up aa new pond with a fountain, it has been treated as we were advised to do before we put fish in. We were given some frog spawn which we did have to travel with for 15min in an open bucket. We placed it into the pond and it straight away sank. We waited until morning but it still has not come to the serface, we did manage to get some to the surface to check but it was empty, there are no tadpoles as the spawn had only just been laid. Has anyone any idea as to if we got some more would it happen again?
Thanks

bigdave60dog · #2 (**permalink**) 20-04-2010, 01:40 PM

I have never noticed any difference in the hatch rate of sunken and floating frogspawn.
I think that, relying -as they do-on external fertilistion, frogs try to lay in shallower water to ensure that the eggs get a good "soaking in sperm". Once fertilised spawn will hatch a most dpeths within reason.
Dave

Herd900rd · #3 (**permalink**) 20-04-2010, 01:52 PM

Your fountain could be disturbing the water. I think frogs prefer ponds to streams/flowing water

werdnal · #4 (**permalink**) 20-04-2010, 09:19 PM

Please do not move spawn from another pond to yours. It can spread diseases and you will find many posts hear advising not to do it. Wait until next year when your pond has become established and attracts its own frog population. In the meantime just enjoy your fish and watch for other wildlife that will no doubt enjoy your new pond too.

dampflippers · #5 (**permalink**) 22-04-2010, 12:40 PM

If any tadpoles DO hatch, you should turn the fountain off until they are quite big as they will probably get sucked into the pump and minced.

I don't think it matters if it sinks. It is only usually near the surface because frogs tend to lay it in shallow water ot on submerged plants.
I expect it would take longer to hatch at depth as the water will be colder there.
Don't give up with the spawn yet.
Make sure yu have lots of oxygenating plants in the pond, and next year you should have frogs find your pond by themselves.

ps Werndal is right about the risks of moving spawn from another pond. If there are diseases in the frog population in the original pond (like red leg disease), then it will be spread to the new pond.