Earlier this year I was hopeful of seeing youngsters in my small pond, there were at least 3 toads and eggs were laid:
However, none hatched and I'm suspicious that the eggs were never fertilised - is this possible? We did have success with the frog community so the conditions and water quailty are good.
I suppose it could be possible. Did you see them in ambiplexus? (love hug)
The frogs might have had something to do with it too. If their spawn did well, it might just be a competition thing.
Never saw them in ambiplexus, just heard calling constantly for about 2 weeks prior to spawning. The eggs just rotted after a couple of weeks.
Another thing - I thought toads would avoid direct sunshine, not this lot - nothing they liked better than sunbathing in the hottest part of the day (combined with regular dips in the water). In contrast the frogs just hide under rocks and remain half submerged.
Here's one, which would sit for hours on this flat rock with it's 'friend':
I have a few fish in the pond too, and they were spawning as well. They would swim up into the very shallow water just below where the toad (above) was sitting and wriggle about half out of the water. I don't know if the toad took exception to being disturbed this way but whilst I was watching he jumped off the stone and landed... right on top of one of the fish. The fish was pinned for a few seconds before struggling free. Maybe the toad was indicating they should go spawn elsewhere... :))
None of my toadspawn hatched...
Posted - 15/07/2011 : 07:48:23
