Unexpected jelly-like masses floating in a swimming pool can spark curiosity about their origin. Many wonder if these translucent blobs are frog eggs, signaling their pool has become a temporary breeding ground. Understanding what these masses are and how to identify them provides clarity and guides necessary actions.
How to Identify Frog Eggs
Frog eggs, often called frogspawn, typically appear as gelatinous, jelly-like masses. This clear, translucent substance encases small, dark spheres, which are developing embryos. Individual eggs are usually spherical, varying in size by frog species.
The arrangement of these eggs within the jelly provides clues for identification. Some frog species lay eggs in distinct clumps or clusters, resembling a pile of grapes or tapioca pudding. Other species, however, deposit their eggs in long, clear strings. The mass can swell as eggs absorb water, and its texture is distinctly slippery and jelly-like. As eggs develop or if algae grow within the mass, they might take on a greenish or brownish tint.
Differentiating frog eggs from other common pool inhabitants is helpful. Algae, for instance, is typically green and slimy but lacks distinct individual eggs. Debris or insect larvae will not have the characteristic gelatinous mass with small, dark, spherical eggs. A closer inspection reveals uniform, dark dots suspended within the clear jelly, confirming their identity as amphibian eggs.
Common Frog Eggs You Might Encounter
The appearance of frog eggs varies among species, particularly in their arrangement. Many common frog species, such as wood frogs, lay their eggs in large, cohesive clumps or rafts. These masses can contain hundreds to thousands of individual eggs, forming a communal cluster that may float near the surface or be attached to submerged vegetation. Wood frog egg masses are often described as lumpy and can hold together when gently removed from the water.
Toad eggs, in contrast, are typically laid in long, clear strings resembling strands of black beads. These strings are often wrapped around aquatic plants or submerged objects. While frog eggs are generally found in distinct clusters, toad eggs’ string-like arrangement is a key distinguishing feature. Some species, like spring peepers, lay individual eggs rather than large masses.
What to Do About Frog Eggs in Your Pool
If you discover frog eggs in your pool, several options are available for handling them. Chlorinated pool water is generally not suitable for frog egg development. Chlorine, a disinfectant, can disrupt the delicate protective barrier around the eggs and interfere with embryonic development, often leading to their demise.
One approach is to gently remove the egg mass from the pool. A pool skimmer can scoop them out carefully, avoiding damage to the jelly-like substance. If relocation is desired, move the eggs to a more suitable aquatic environment. A nearby natural pond, a wetland area, or a dedicated wildlife pond are appropriate alternative habitats. When relocating, use water from the original source if possible and handle the eggs gently, keeping them submerged to prevent drying.
Place the eggs in still, fresh water that lacks fish, as fish may prey on the eggs and tadpoles. While leaving the eggs in the pool might seem like an option, their survival is unlikely due to the pool’s chemical balance and filtration system. When moving eggs, avoid transporting them long distances to prevent the spread of diseases between different amphibian populations.