In article , Jaques
d'Alltrades writes
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Sticklebacks and minnows AFAIK require running water, so not suitabel
for pond, tench are a better bet as they live in still or slow running
water as will roach.

I think this applies to minnows, but sticklebacks will thrive in a pond.

HOWEVER - if you want the tadpoles of frogs, toads and newts to survive,
leave sticklebacks out of it - they're pocket piranhas.

They're not that bad. I've had sticklebacks coexisting with tadpoles for
many years. The worst predator of frog tadpoles has been the newts.

Other things to remember - make sure at least one side is a gentle slop
- baby frogs will need to be able to climb out. And let the gentle slope
side lead directly into damp growth - grass that you don't cut, thick
cover of plants or whatever - the frogs will need it for cover.

try and have half the pond surface covered by leaves - water lilies or
other large, floating leafed plants - keeping the sun from a good
proportion of the water will help keep the blanket weed down.

Frogs will spawn almost anywhere. Newts like a fairly weedy pond, and
wrap their eggs singly in submerged leaves of water weeds.
--
Kay
"Do not insult the crocodile until you have crossed the river"