Gambusia Affinis (Mosquitofish) and Poecilia Reticulata (Guppy)

Context: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought a response from the Centre on the use of Gambusia Affinis (Mosquitofish) and Poecilia Reticulata (Guppy) as biological mosquito control agents, despite being classified as invasive alien species by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA).

About Gambusia Affinis (Mosquitofish):

• What is it?

• A small freshwater fish native to North America, widely introduced for mosquito control. Recognized as one of the 100 worst invasive alien species globally.

• A small freshwater fish native to North America, widely introduced for mosquito control.

• Recognized as one of the 100 worst invasive alien species globally.

• Habitat & Distribution:

• Thrives in freshwater bodies like ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. Found in temperate and tropical regions due to its adaptability.

• Thrives in freshwater bodies like ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers.

• Found in temperate and tropical regions due to its adaptability.

• Characteristics:

• Size: Males grow up to 4 cm, females up to 7 cm. Diet: Eats zooplankton, insects, and mosquito larvae but only in small proportions. Impact: Outcompetes native fish species, leading to biodiversity loss.

• Size: Males grow up to 4 cm, females up to 7 cm.

• Diet: Eats zooplankton, insects, and mosquito larvae but only in small proportions.

• Impact: Outcompetes native fish species, leading to biodiversity loss.

About Poecilia Reticulata (Guppy):

• What is it?

• A live-bearing freshwater fish, native to northeast South America, commonly known as millionfish or rainbow fish. One of the most widely distributed aquarium fish.

• A live-bearing freshwater fish, native to northeast South America, commonly known as millionfish or rainbow fish.

• One of the most widely distributed aquarium fish.

• Habitat & Distribution:

• Found in tropical and subtropical freshwater bodies globally. Adaptable to varied ecological conditions.

• Found in tropical and subtropical freshwater bodies globally.

• Adaptable to varied ecological conditions.

• Characteristics:

• Size: Males are smaller than females but have ornamental fins. Diet: Consumes algae, aquatic insect larvae, and organic matter.

• Size: Males are smaller than females but have ornamental fins.

• Diet: Consumes algae, aquatic insect larvae, and organic matter.

Contribution to Mosquito Control:

• Predatory Behaviour: Both species consume mosquito larvae, reducing populations in water bodies.

• Biological Control Agents: Introduced in many countries to combat vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue.

• Efficiency Debate: While effective in mosquito suppression, they also disrupt native aquatic ecosystems, leading to food scarcity for indigenous fish species.

Insta links:

• Gambusia-fish

Source: BS