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A Blood-Free Diet to Rear Anopheline Mosquitoes
Published on: January 31, 2020
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Biological mosquito control is affected by alternative prey
Ram Kumar1,2,3, Priyanesh Muhid4, Hans-Uwe Dahms5
1Ecosystem Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Acharya Narendra Dev College (University of Delhi), Govindpuri, Kalkaji, New Delhi 110 019, India.
Zoological Studies
|January 23, 2020
Summary
Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) prey on carp larvae when abundant, but switch to other prey when carp larvae are scarce. This invasive fish impacts native species, affecting fisheries and conservation.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Invasive Species Biology
- Fisheries Science
Background:
- Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) introduced for mosquito control are invasive globally.
- Invasive species pose threats through competition, overexploitation, and habitat alteration.
- Understanding mosquitofish prey selectivity is crucial for managing ecological impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate prey selectivity of mosquitofish on Indian major carp larvae.
- Assess selectivity in the presence of varied alternative prey proportions.
- Determine the impact of invasive mosquitofish on native fish and invertebrates.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory experiments on mosquitofish prey selection.
- Varied proportions of carp larvae (Catla catla, Labeo rohita) and alternative prey (rotifers, cladocerans, chironomid, mosquito larvae).
- Observed prey selectivity patterns under different environmental conditions.
Main Results:
- Mosquitofish selectivity varied with alternative prey presence and abundance.
- Carp larvae were preferred when abundant, randomly selected when equal, and rejected when scarce.
- Prey switching observed; mosquitofish preferred L. rohita and mosquito larvae in mixed-species settings.
Conclusions:
- Mosquitofish do not preferentially consume mosquito larvae when fish larvae are available.
- Overlapping habitats and prey preferences indicate significant impact on native fish and invertebrates.
- Findings are vital for fisheries management and conservation strategies concerning invasive species.
