Egg Ball?
Posted by Fred Garcia on August 14, 2008
Q: Spherical gelatinous conglomerate floating (just below water surface) in Lake DeSoto in Hot Springs Village, AR. It is about the size of a softball, seemed to have a small opening to internal cavity. It was somewhat mossy on the outside, but white spots and splotches were observered in clear jelly. Very slimy exterior when removed from water for closer inspection. There were other larger masses in the same vicinity but not shaped as round as the one in the photos I'm sending. Some elongated shapes appeared to be attached to small twigs/limbs on the lake bottom. No physical movements observed. It felt quite heavy. Gently placed back in lake water after photographing. Recent rains may have dislodged them from quiet streams feeding into lake. Did not seem to be disturbed by small fish that would casually swim around it. I'm thinking it might be amphibian eggs but would like to know more specifics if possible.
State: Arkansas
Habitat: pond/lake
A: Not sure what happened, but your photos didn't come through. But, I think we can solve your mystery. If you go to page 2 of our questions and scroll down to "Aquatic Jelly Balls" I think you'll find the answer to your question.
Glad you asked.
John Wiessinger ( August 15, 2008)