Invent Your Own Pond Monster

For a chance to win a Pond Dipping Kit, we asked you to invent your own pond monster. We wanted to know what it looks like, what its favourite foods are and if it has any special abilities.

You sent in lots of weird and wonderful creatures, from scary, pointy-toothed predators to friendly, plant-loving beasties. There was a freshwater octopus, a Medusa-like mermaid, funny-looking fish, brilliant beetles, deadly birds and a host of terrifying killing machines.

The five lucky winners have each won an NHBS Educational Pond Dipping Kit, available to buy online at www.nhbs.com. Catch what you can in the net, then use the tray, pipette and pots to observe your minibeasts. The identification guide will then help you sort your catch. 

The winners:

Funnel Fish by Freya Masters (aged 12) from Wiltshire.

This unusually-shaped fish is perfectly adapted to sucking up its favourite bottom-dwelling foods. It can also camouflage itself by changing colour and has good eyesight, allowing it to see in the dark. But be careful not to disturb this creature - it produces a nasty, smelly liquid to defend itself.

Spiny-backed Pond Stalker by Saffron Clayton (aged 7) from Northants.

This ferocious predator is very good at catching passing fish. It can catch and eat at least 100 every day! Those sharp pincers are the perfect weapons, so watch out where you put your fingers if you net this minibeast when you're pond dipping...

6-legged Curly Haired Pond Fish by Deborah Male (aged 9) from Aberdare.

With its six legs, this beastie is unique. The fish-shaped marks on its body help lure in passing minnows, its favourite food. Its curly hair is not just for show either - this is where its young develops in safety for eight weeks before being released.

Crab Fish by Harry Jenkins (aged 10) from Oxford.

A tiny, 2cm long creature, the Crab Fish is not to be underestimated. Despite its size it is deadly poisonous, armed with a stinger, four poisonous teeth and spines across its armoured body. It's also very territorial, so watch out!

Weed Munching Monster by William Addington (aged 6) from Oxfordshire.

This colourful creature doesn't blend in easily with its surroundings, but that doesn't matter. Its huge mouth can swallow a frog whole and its sticky feet are perfect for helping it crawl in and out of steep-sided ponds. Fish and weeds aren't safe from its huge appetite either!