A preliminary study on determination of Aphanius chantrei's feeding behaviour on mosquito larvae

In this study, Aphanius chantrei's behaviour of feeding on mosquito larvae has been determined under experimental conditions. In groups that have different sizes (first group 27 mm; second group 40 mm; third group 47 mm), larvae consumption has increased with length and weight. During daytime, average larvae consumption has been observed as 14.75 number fish(-1) in the first group, 55.13 number fish(-1) in the second group and 122.88 number fish(-1) in the third group. During the night, average larvae consumption has been determined for each group as 14.87 number fish(-1), 18.00 number fish(-1) and 28.36 number fish(-1), respectively. The average daily larvae consumption was found out as 29.62 number fish(-1) in the first group, 73.12 number fish(-1) in the second group and 151.25 number fish(-1) in the third group. The differences between the groups were statistically significant (p<0.05). This study has shown that Aphanius chantrei can be used in biological combat against mosquito instead of Gambusia spp., depending on the presence of food (mosquito); it can also feed at night.