Mosquito larvivorous potential of some indigenous fishes

Natural enemies such as predators play an important role in checking the proferation of vectors in Natural habitat in breeding grounds. Gambusia affinis popularly known as Doctor fish is well known predatory fish can be cultured and used in vector control programme. In the present study, use of 3 indigenous fishes in vector control have been reported. The fishes were recovered from Machna river and used in the laboratory to control Anophelese stephensi and Aedes aegypti larvae. Laboratory testing in glass aquarium contaning 5 fishes of each Ajystus cavasius, Danio devario, Rasbora daniconius alongwith Gambusia affinis, revealed that as far as predatory efficacy is concerned Mystus cavasius stands 1st and consumed 130 larvae/day/fish. It was noticed during the course of experiment that fishes prefer I/II instar larvae than III/ IVth instar larvae of both the species. The study was also conducted with and without fish food. To observe larvivorous potential. It was noticed that fish food has some effect on the predatory habit of these fishes. In the presence of fish food, the predatory period was found to be increased by 5 minutes to 20 minutes more. Gut content analysis of the fishes showed not only the mosquito larvae but some nematodes, annelids. beetles, algae and unidentified material. The result of the present study thus suggest that indigenous fishes edible value can be cultured in small ponds and other water bodies to reduce the vector bone diseases. Without disturbing the ecosystem and causing no ill effect to the human health.