skip to main content

Ponds & Aquatic Plants

Frog/Toad ID in my pond

12 years ago

This afternoon we found this frog/toad in our pond. I don't know what it is but it's bigger than my hand. Maybe he is a bull frog? I had a smaller frog in there earlier this summer and I think maybe it grew to this? I'm concerned because we added some small goldfish a couple of weeks ago. Will this guy eat them? He sure seems big enough to make a nice dinner out of them. I'm not sure what I should do. Please any advise would be appreciated.

{{gwi:234486}}

{{gwi:234487}}

Comments (7)

terrestrial_man
12 years ago
A Bull Frog

Here is a link that might be useful: Bull Frog
hardin
12 years ago
I do believe that is a bullfrog. Yes, they will eat anything they can get into their mouth. I have had one hanging around for a couple years now. So far, she has not eaten any of my goldfish or koi. I haven't seen her in a couple weeks though. She probably took off to the creek to get ready for winter. In my pond, I have let thingss be, but if the occasion calls for it, I will step in. So far, I haven't had too. Some people let them stay, and some will catch them and take them to a local pond. Before doing that, make sure they are native to your area. With yours having shown up on its own, it is most likely a native.
Related Discussions
Frog in my pond
Q
Comments (0)
Found a frog sitting on the marginal shelf in my pond. First thought it was one of the toads that have been singing in the evening. Looked him/her up and think it is a Pig Frog. Kinda cute and don't think it should be a problem. Just alot of Goldfish in there.
...See More
Frogs/Toads ID please
Q
Comments (3)
Yep, southern leopard frogs, for sure. Lovely, HIGH jumping, fast moving little guys. I can't remember what their call sounds like, but the above link should help with that. Enjoy these cuties! I wish some of them would find MY pond. Marcia
...See More
Attracting Frogs and toads into my yard
Q
Comments (8)
Frogs stay very near water, toads are more widespread since they do not need to stay near water except to have some to drink. If you've seen them at the edge of the yard, enticing them nearer shouldn't be hard. I used to get toads to stay in my yard by making little piles of rocks with crevices big enough for them to climb in. Occasionally I would find one under an unused pot (which I always leave upside-down when not in use so they don't hold any water.) I also had a huge bottom tray that I wasn't using for the pot it was supposed to be under, so I kept that filled with fresh water (change twice weekly to avoid breeding mosquitoes and algae.) I put it on the ground in the shade. Having lots of cool, moist, shady spots between and under large perennials and shrubs is attractive also. NWF has info about this, and Garden Gate magazine. A google search of toad habitat garden leads to many other articles.
...See More
Frog/Toad ID
Q
Comments (9)
No problem - glad I could help. These guys probably wouldn't be affected by the presence of Cubans as they are terrestrial and subterranean, so intraspecific encounters wouldn't be common enough to affect their populations (but who knows...these things are complex...I sense a research project..haha). You might be able to collect the cubans and sell them to biology supply warehouses (Carolina Bio or Wards) - it'd be better for them to use those for classroom dissections than native leopard frogs which usually get the brunt of it. Since they are a nonnative, invasive species I don't think there should be regulations against it, but you might want to check. I don't know if it'd do anything to their populations but perhaps if you kept removing them from your property it would allow other species a small refuge from them. This is a perfect example of why I'm so adamant against people posting threads on here asking others to send them frogs and tadpoles for their ponds - just one nonnative species can cripple your local ecosystem. ~Mike
...See More
groundbeef
12 years ago
I'd kill for a bull frog that big. I love them! Wow what a pretty frog.
susie_mercedes
Original Author
12 years ago
groundbeef - I wish I could give him to you. He's a beauty but I can't keep him. My pond is too small for him and my fish to coexist.

Thanks to all for posting and help identify the frog. Now that i know what he is I have caught and released him in a nearby park (but far enough that he can not return) with a nice river. Sadly I think maybe it's too late for my fish. I'll look for them again tomorrow...
erniem
12 years ago
I had a big frog of that size for 2-3 years in my little 200 gallon pond. He never bothered the fish, except when he'd take down a bird too big for him to eat and I'd have to fish the bird out of the pond.

Trust me, he was eating these birds. I found him with a baby in his mouth once, and one time I found a dead bird I placed it next to the pond. Next morning the bird was back in the water. Only critter that would do that was the froggie.

My frog wandered off this spring, my neighbors saw him on their deck. Took pictures and wondered where he came from.

Wish he'd wander back.

I have another frog in my pond but I very rarely see him, he hides under my bridge so when I do maintenance I see him hop away.
susie_mercedes
Original Author
12 years ago
Good news! Yesterday I saw 2 of my goldfish close to the surface of the water. I think now that the bull frog is gone maybe they are more relaxed.
buyorsell888
12 years ago
Yes, bullfrogs will eat birds and anything else they can fit in their mouths including other frogs.

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Texas Family Trades Traffic Noise for Frog Songs

By Mitchell Parker

Modern glass and stone structures hug two waterways on a sprawling Texas Hill Country compound

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING How to Make a Pond

By Mitchell Parker

You can make an outdoor fish paradise of your own, for less than you might think. But you'll need this expert design wisdom

TASTEMAKERS A Designer Edits — and Adds — for Dramatic Effect

By Becky Harris

Interior designer Nancy Braithwaite’s new book shows how it’s possible to edit rooms of all styles to create their best look

FALL GARDENING 7 Reasons Not to Clean Up Your Fall Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Before you pluck and rake, consider wildlife, the health of your plants and your own right to relax

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Natural Swimming Pools: More Beauty, No Chemicals

By Falon Mihalic

Keep your skin and the environment healthy with a pool that cleans itself, naturally

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES 3 Ways Native Plants Make Gardening So Much Better

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

You probably know about the lower maintenance. But native plants' other benefits go far beyond a little less watering and weeding

LANDSCAPE DESIGN New Ways to Design With Water

Go beyond 3-tiered fountains and faux waterfalls to discover water's architectural possibilities

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Gardening for Happy Kids

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Foster creativity, self-esteem and more by designing your landscape with a sense of discovery

GARDENING GUIDES 4 Elements of a Stunning Fall Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Late summer is a good time to look beyond trees to create an autumn landscape that draws the eye and stirs the soul

GARDENING GUIDES How to Design a Garden That Lasts

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Climates are changing. Wildlife is evolving. Can your garden keep up?

Sponsored

More Discussions

Leak in my small inground prefab watergarden...?

1

pothos with yellow leaves

7

Stock tank cracked, New tank has brass drain

1

Growing impatiens in water

1