Vernal pools, also called
vernal ponds or
ephemeral pools, are temporary pools of water that provide habitat for distinctive plants and animals. They are considered to be a distinctive type of
wetland usually devoid of fish, and thus allow the safe development of natal amphibian and insect species unable to withstand competition or predation by fish. Certain
tropical fish lineages (such as
killifishes) have however
adapted to this
habitat specifically.