Efficacy of indigenous larvivorous fishes against Culex quinquefasciatus in the presence of alternative prey: Implications for biological control.
Loading...
Date
2012-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Background & objectives: Indigenous larvivorous fishes bear potential for regulating vector mosquitoes through
trophic interactions. The mosquito prey preference of five indigenous larvivorous fishes in the presence of alternative
food items was assessed to highlight their use in mosquito vector management.
Methods: Laboratory experiments were carried out using the larvivorous fishes Ambassis (=Chanda) nama,
Parambassis (=Chanda) ranga, Colisa fasciatus, Esomus danricus and Aplocheilus panchax, as predators and IV
instar Culex quinquefasciatus larvae as target prey. Mosquito prey preference of these fishes in the presence of
chironomid larvae, tubificid worms and artificial fish foods, in varied proportions, were assessed using preference
index.
Results: The fishes consumed considerable amount of mosquito larvae both in absence and presence of alternative
food items. However, the positive selectivity for mosquito larvae at all densities were significantly (p <0.05)
affected by the alternative foods. The chironomid larvae and tubificid worms were consumed proportionately
higher than expected (p <0.05), while the artificial fish food was consumed at lower than expected proportions
(p <0.05). The niche overlap was significantly similar among the fish species suggesting likeliness in predation
pattern and prey preference.
Interpretation & conclusion: The results reflect that the alternative food items influence the mosquito prey selectivity
and thus the efficacy of indigenous larvivorous fishes. While use of these fishes in the wetlands and allied mosquito
larval habitats in different parts of the country is suggested, impact of the alternative prey may affect the successful
regulation of mosquitoes. Assessment of appropriate predator-prey ratio under natural habitat conditions is
recommended to enhance successful mosquito control by these fishes.
Description
Keywords
Biological control, chironomid larvae, indigenous larvivorous fish, mosquito larvae, prey preference, tubificid worms
Citation
Aditya Gautam, Pal Santanu, Saha Nabaneeta, Saha Goutam K. Efficacy of indigenous larvivorous fishes against Culex quinquefasciatus in the presence of alternative prey: Implications for biological control. Journal of Vector Borne Diseases. 2012 Dec; 49(4): 217-225.