Spotted Salamander Party in Pond

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Last night….
 

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Love them big yellow spots.

I'm guessing you don't have a lot of water flow in your pond salamanders generally like still still waters.
 
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They are back again!

But I’ve noticed something the last few years…

They seem to prefer to breed and lay eggs in my pond with the goldfish over the one that does not.

I have two ponds relatively the same size and depth. The “upper” one…that is level with ground…more natural, loaded with plants, leaves, etc serves as a bog that flows down hill into the goldfish pond. Not as many plants and is loaded with goldfish.

Yet year after year there are many many more egg masses laid in that pond. In fact the way it’s set up they probably cross the non goldfish one to get to the goldfish one since it’s raised. The goldfish don’t seem to bother the eggs or the larva when hatched. But I find it odd nonetheless that these salamanders prefer non fish waters yet here we are…

Edit: will try and get pics tonight. Last night it was pouring rain
 
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If i am not mistaken the Yellow spotted salamanders are toxic. that would explain why goldfish don't bother them and quite often one species will chose to breed and rear their young close to what are predator's to others. Like female grizlies hanging around people as they know we won't hurt them but know the big males will not come close to people as willingly as they get hunted. Male grizzlies will kill the young cubs because they are not their blood line.
 
Joined
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Virginia, USA
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If i am not mistaken the Yellow spotted salamanders are toxic. that would explain why goldfish don't bother them and quite often one species will chose to breed and rear their young close to what are predator's to others. Like female grizlies hanging around people as they know we won't hurt them but know the big males will not come close to people as willingly as they get hunted. Male grizzlies will kill the young cubs because they are not their blood line.
Interesting..sounds as good as any imo..
 

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