Tiny Tadpoles in New Pond: Mosquito Larvae or Fish Fry?

Identification

2-week-old pond, goldfish 10 days, koi 1 week. 1–2 mm "tadpoles" seen at night.

Most Likely: Mosquito Larvae

• Hang at surface, dart when disturbed.
• Fish will eat them quickly.

Unlikely: Fish Fry

• Koi don't spawn until >12″.
• Goldfish can spawn at 3″, but stress of new pond makes it improbable.
• Fry are ~3 mm, clear, stay on bottom first week.

Unlikely: Tadpoles

• Comma-shaped, larger than fry.
• No frogs seen.

Action

Wait a few days. Fish will consume mosquito larvae. If they grow and don't look like mosquito larvae, re-evaluate.