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  you are in: ADVICE > FAQs > SPAWN AND TADPOLES > DEAD TADPOLES



Advice and Resources

Frequently Asked Questions about...

Spawn and tadpoles

I've found dead tadpoles, what might be the cause?

Quick answer
The death of tadpoles is often related to a lack of oxygen in the water, usually caused by a sudden algal bloom.

Further information
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 sunlight and that there are plenty of aquatic plants present, which use up excess nutrients (stopping too much algae growing) and produce more oxygen.

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, or even the bark or leaves of a toxic plant have landed in the water. If you suspect this to be the case contact the Environment Agency or Pond Conservation for further information.

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