Adding Frogs to a Koi Pond in Los Angeles: Go Native

Adding Frogs to a Koi Pond in Los Angeles: Go Native

LA pond owners with koi and turtles wanted to buy frogs but couldn't find sources. Most sold frogs (bullfrogs, green frogs) are non-native invasives in California.

Why Not Buy Non-Native Frogs

• Bullfrogs eat native amphibians, reptiles, birds.
• Illegal to release in many areas.
• Disrupt local ecosystems.

Legal, Ethical Alternatives

1. Contact local landowners with ponds for native eggs/tadpoles (Pacific treefrog, California red-legged frog, western toad).
2. Join local pond/koi clubs: Nishiki Koi Club (Orange County) — members often share native tadpoles.
3. Create habitat: Shallow edges, plants, no fish in breeding areas — natives may colonize naturally.

Native Species Benefits

Coevolved with local predators, diseases, climate. Don't become invasive. Support biodiversity.

Turtle Consideration

Turtles eat frog eggs/tadpoles. Provide fish-free zones or accept predation.

Don't buy frogs. Source locally, go native, support ecology.