Question
I have had my pond for about 5 years- but recently put 2
skimmers on it. Today, there was what looked like an eel
in it. It was short & fat, about 5 inches long- what do
you think it could be??? It was dark brown, shinny skin.
At first I dumped it on the ground, then picked it up
and put it back in the pond.

Answer
Hi Val,
Thanx for your question.  Where are you located and what kind of weather conditions are you experiencing?  Is your pond ornamental or is it fed by a spring?  Are eels common in your area?  I'm thinking it's probably a salamander, etf or newt.  Let me know.
thx,
Tom