Dr Sadguru Prakash, Department of Zoology, M.L.K.P.G.

College, Balrampur

LARVIVOROUS OR LARVICIDAL FISHES AND PUBLIC HEALTH

The fishes feed upon the mosquito larvae at one or other stages of their life are called
Larvivorous fishes. Fishes are the natural enemy of insects, particularly the Cyclops and
mosquitoes larvae, which are the vector of several diseases and carry parasites of malaria,
filarial, yellow fever and several fatal diseases. They breed in all the sort of stagnant water and
shallow weed infested ponds, swamps, pits, gutters and all other kinds of inland water for
breeding purposes. Thus the use of insecticides and oil etc which are not only costly but also
harmful to aquatic life can be substituted by larvicidal / larvivorous fishes. The eggs and larvae
of mosquito and adult Cyclops form the main food item of several small sized fishes which feed
on them throughout their life. The fries and fingerlings of several carnivorous fishes also prefer
insect eggs and larvae in their diet. Thus this type of biological control is regarded as one of the
most potent tool in destroying the mosquito population, without causing any harmful effect in the
food chain and their human system.

Characteristic features of Larvivorous fishes: The fishes, introduced to control

mosquito should have these characters to do their job most efficiently-

 It should be small sized so as to be capable to move freely among the weeds in hunting
for larvae.
 It should be hardy fish, survive and flourish in both shallow and deep waters.
 It should be able to breed freely in confined waters or ordinary environmental condition.
 It should be a surface feeder and carnivorous in habit.
 It should be difficult to catch so as to escape their natural enemies.
 It should be able to survive in O2 deficient and foul water etc.
 They should have no food value.

Thus the fishes which have these characteristic features may be used as substitute of
insecticides in carrying out the biological control of vector insects viz. mosquitoes. Thus
biological control of mosquitoes with the help of suitable larvivorous species is the most
practical and cheapest method, and with proper instructions can be practiced by the poor
villagers also.

There are several exotic and indigenous species which at one stage or the other feed on
larvae and are considered larvicidal. These are-

(A). Exotic species: Carassius auratus (Gold fish), Lebistes, Gambusia affinis (Top
minnow).

(B). Indigenous species: Notopterus, Oxygaster (Chela), Laubuca, Barilius, Rasbora,

Danio, Esomus, Puntius, Aplocheilus, Oxyzias, Horaichthys, Aphanius, Colisa, Macropodus,
Etroplus, Anabas, Mugil, Heropon, Badius, Glossogobius, Ambassis, Therapan, Horaichthys,
Wallago, Channa, Catla, Cirrhinus, etc.

A species to be used for mosquito control should be small, active, hardy prolific breeder
and carnivorous in habit. It should be compatible with the existing fish fauna of the region. From
the point of view of mosquitocidal activity, Job (1953) has classified the above listed larvicidal
fishes from the point of view of mosquitocidal activity under following groups according to their
efficiency.

 Typical surface feeder (Aplocheilus and Gambusia) are of prime importance satisfying
the necessary requirements and hence efficient for control work.
 Subsurface breeders (Danio, Rasbora, Esomus) etc. are larvicidal to a high extent.
 Column feeders like Puntius, Colisa, Anabas and Badis consume larvae when they get a
chance.
 Large sized food fishes like Catla etc. whose fry are helpful in reduction of larvae.
 Predatory fishes like Wallago, Channa, Notopterus, as adults feed on insect larvae.

The indigenous genera of some common Larvicidal / Larvivorous fishes are as following:-

Oxygaster (Chela ) is represented by many small sized species. It is a top feeder and
consumes mosquito larvae throughout the year. Some workers believe it to be a useful larvicidal
fish while others do not consider it to be of good quality.

Aplocheilus is found in tropical Africa, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand
and Malaya. It is small sized fish characterized by dorsal fin inserted above posterior end of anal
fin is said to be top mosquitosidal fish. It is a hardy fish and lives in fresh as well as moderately
brakish water. Aplocheilus panchax is found throughout India.

Oxyzias is closely allied to Aplocheilus . It is a delicate fish, breeds in confined water. It is

very useful as larvicidal form.

Labuca of family Cyprinidae is represented by two species in India. These are rather
delicate fishes and do not stand the transport over long distance.

Barilius is represented by dozen of species and are mainly inhabitants of hilly areas and
prefer clear, well oxygenated water of rivers and streams. They are delicate fishes and can only
be employed for mosquito control in their native places.

Rasbora and Danio species are found in the hills and plains of India and represented by two
species. It is considered as an useful larvicidal fish.

Esomus live in shallow water and has great utility as larvicidal fish.
 Puntius is a small, hardy fish found in several places of India in confined water and
considered as moderately useful in the control of mosquito larvae.

Colisa and Badis are small, beautiful coloured fishes of India. Both are hardy fish and can
breed in confined water and considered as good larvicidal fish.

Anabas is found throughout India and represented by only two species. It is hardy fish and
useful for destroying mosquito larvae.

Notopterus notopterus is considered useful for mosquito control. The young stages of this
fish feed on mosquito larvae. But the ytility of the adult is very doubtful. Moreover, the abult
feeds on small fishes and is therefore, harmful. It can not be recommended for anti-malaria use

Aphanius is only one species occurs in India which has been found to be an effective destroyer
of mosquito larvae.

References:
1. Jhingran V.G.(1991). Fish and Fisheries of India. Hindustan Publishing Corporation, Delhi, India.
2. Pandey K,.& Shukla, J.P. (2012). Fish and Fisheries. Rastogi Publication, Meerut. U.P.
3. Khanna, S.S. & Kapoor, N.(2011). An Introduction to Fishes. Silver Line Publication.Allahabad.
4. Parihar, R.P. (1992). Fish Biology and Indian Fisheries. Central Publishing House, Allahabad.