EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -One of the most successful and widely used biological control agent against mosquito larvae is the top water minnow or mosquito fish Gambusia affinis. Fish other than Gambusia which has received the most attention as a mosquito control agent is Poecilia reticulata, the common guppy.

Detailed explanation-2: -An adult gambusia fish can consume nearly 150 larvae in a day. The problem of mosquitoes breeding in clear water, especially Aedes aegypti mosquitoes which carry the dengue virus can be controlled through them.

Detailed explanation-3: -Gambusia affinis The name “mosquitofish” was given because the fish eats mosquito larvae, and has been used more than any other fishes for the biological control of mosquitoes.

Detailed explanation-4: -Gambusia sp., a invasive species, has been identified as an larvivorous predator and released for biocontrol purposes. They ingest mosquito young instars as food, but usage of G.

Detailed explanation-5: -Gambusia is a viviparous fish and belongs in the family Poeciliidae and order Cyprinodontiformes. Gambusia is mainly found in freshwater habitats, but some species may also be found in brackish or saltwater habitats. It contains over 40 species.