Adding Frogs or Turtles to Control Goldfish Fry in a 1,500+ Gallon Pond

A pond with goldfish (2–9 inches) has hundreds of fry. The owner wants a frog or turtle to eat fry but spare larger fish, and worries about liner damage from turtle claws.

Frog Options

• Bullfrogs: Eat small fish—avoid.
• Native frogs (green, leopard, etc.): Mostly eat insects; rarely bother fish. Good for mosquito control.

Turtle Options

• Red-eared sliders: Omnivorous—eat fish, plants, fry. Common but messy.
• Painted turtles: Prefer insects, small invertebrates; less plant/fish damage.
• Cooters/river cooters: Mostly herbivorous; safest for plants and larger fish.

Liner Safety

Turtle claws rarely puncture quality EPDM (45 mil) or RPE liners. Provide basking platforms to minimize climbing on liner edges.

Recommendation

For fry control without risking adult fish: add painted turtles or rely on natural predation (dragonfly nymphs, larger goldfish). Avoid bullfrogs and sliders if you value plants and fish diversity.

Resource: Turtle Pond Guide