Fish:
* Bass: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass
* Carp: Common carp, goldfish, koi
* Catfish: Channel catfish, bullhead catfish
* Sunfish: Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed
* Trout: Rainbow trout, brown trout (in colder, deeper lakes)
* Pike: Northern pike, muskellunge
* Perch: Yellow perch, walleye
Amphibians:
* Frogs: Bullfrogs, green frogs, leopard frogs, tree frogs
* Toads: American toad, Fowler's toad
* Salamanders: Mudpuppies, newts
Reptiles:
* Snakes: Water snakes, garter snakes
* Turtles: Snapping turtles, painted turtles, musk turtles
Invertebrates:
* Insects: Dragonflies, damselflies, water striders, diving beetles, mosquito larvae
* Crustaceans: Crayfish, shrimp, isopods
* Mollusks: Snails, mussels, clams
* Worms: Earthworms, leeches
Other:
* Birds: Ducks, geese, herons, kingfishers, grebes
* Mammals: Beavers, muskrats, otters (in larger lakes)
Factors Affecting Diversity:
The specific animals you find in a particular pond or lake depend on factors like:
* Water temperature: Warmer waters support more diverse species.
* Water quality: Clean, oxygen-rich water attracts more life.
* Depth and size: Deeper lakes support different fish than shallow ponds.
* Presence of vegetation: Plants provide habitat and food for many creatures.
This list is just a starting point! There's a whole world of fascinating creatures to discover in ponds and lakes.