The great crested newt is often compared to a ‘mini dinosaur’ as a result of its wavy crest and warty…
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Pond Fact Files
Amphibians
Palmate newt (Lissotriton helveticus)
The palmate newt can often be confused with the smooth newt, however it does have some very slight differences in…
Smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris)
The smooth newt is the most likely newt you will spot visiting your garden pond. As with all British species…
Natterjack toad (Bufo calamita)
The smaller of the two toads found in the UK, the natterjack toad is very rare. They have a bold…
Common toad (Bufo bufo)
Despite their warts and rugged appearance, the common toad is a massive asset to any gardener, sucking up snails and…
Invertebrates
Green Drake Mayfly (Ephemera dancia)
The green drake (or common) mayfly only eats when it is an aquatic larvae, when its diet consists of mainly…
Lesser Water-boatman (Corixa punctate)
The lesser water-boatman has a varied diet, feeding off of both decaying plant matter as well as small invertebrates. Unlike…
Common Backswimmer (Notonecta glauca)
These small insects are in fact quite predatory, tackling tadpoles and fish fry. They are also often one of the…
Fish
Tench
The tench is a much overlooked pond fish, yet its feeding habits and docile temperament make them an asset to…
Sturgeon
Sturgeon are long bony scale-less fish whose evolution can date back to the Triassic period 245 million years ago! They…
Orfe
Orfe are long, slender fish that can get up to 50cm in length and 4lb in weight. They prefer being…
Koi
For most people it is hard to find a cold water fish as desirable as koi, be it the variety…
Gudgeon
Gudgeon are a native species and so are well suited for the British climate. These small growing fish will rarely…
Minnow
Adding minnows to a pond will keep your pond clean and appear more natural as they are found throughout the…
Shubunkins
A type of single-tailed, long-bodied goldfish that originated from China. They have been bred for their unique colouring, displaying shades…
Goldfish
A resilient fish able to handle all different kinds of water but prefer cooler temperatures of around 20 degrees, making…