Aquatic

Microscope organisms form the base of the aquatic food chain.   To observe,  just place a drop of pond water (collected next to some algae) on a microscope slide and view under a microscope as low power as 40X and you'll see a wide variety of single-cell critters living out their lives!

Since the Gardens are fed by the Florida Aquifer, all fish have been transplanted here,  but still represent a balanced ecosystem.    Looking carefully, you'll see tiny "gambusia" mosquito fish that eat mosquito larvae,  native bream and bass, maybe a catfish,  and many colorful koi.

Bull frogs breed during the summer and lay thousands of eggs...many become food for various fish before hatching.  Young frogs may take 3 years to lose their tadpole tails.  Painted turtles bask in the sun for hours, allowing them to absorb vitamin D which is vital for  bone and organ health.