Emergent / Shoreline plants are one of the most common problem in ponds. Cattails, bullrushes, grasses, irises and phragmites can quickly become established in ponds with shallow shorelines in depths of up to 2 feet. Often, these plants initially colonise new ponds by seeds carried by wind, birds or other animals.

Many types of fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals live in pond habitats. Fish spend their whole lives in water. Examples of pond fish include sticklebacks and minnows. Amphibians such as frogs, toads, and newts lay their eggs in water, where their larvae (tadpoles) develop and grow into adults.

In a pond there is more than one type of producer and many different types of consumers. Fish, especially, will eat a wide variety of algae, plants, insects, larva, and other fish.

A pond is a complex aquatic ecosystem with living and non-living components.