Hobbies And Interests
Fish
Native and non-native fish often view tadpoles as a tasty snack. Most species of pond fish are carnivores or omnivores and eat practically any creature that is a suitable size. Very small fish may be unable to eat larger tadpoles, but a fully grown goldfish can easily eat several a day. If you want to protect tadpoles, stock your pond with only small, native fish and provide plenty of hiding places in the form of aquatic plants.
Birds
Water birds and opportunistic land birds take tadpoles. In fact, all birds whose diet consists primarily of fish and water invertebrates, such as herons and kingfishers, are a threat. Land birds such as crows have also been observed eating tadpoles. You can try bird netting to keep them off the pond if you think they are eating too many tadpoles.
Invertebrates
Large, carnivorous water invertebrates such as dragonfly larvae eat tadpoles. Such predators are common in even the smallest ponds, and there is not much you can do. These are the natural predators of tadpoles and a balance should develop, allowing some tadpoles to mature.
Reptiles
Aquatic reptiles such as turtles and water moccasins are another threat to pond tadpoles, especially when the reptiles are juveniles. Fully grown crocodiles and alligators tend to ignore tadpoles as being much too small, but their babies eat plenty.
Mammals
Semi-aquatic and land mammals eat tadpoles. In the United States, the mammals that may take tadpoles include raccoons, skunks, weasels and otters. Even domestic cats take tadpoles when they can catch them. You can keep most mammals away from your pond with a simple mesh fence. Fences also keep away some water birds.
Amphibians
The tadpoles of many frog species are cannibalistic under certain circumstances, especially when food and space are limited. Larger tadpoles eat smaller ones. Salamanders, newts and adult frogs or toads may also eat tadpoles, sometimes even their own.