Mosquito Fish
Mosquito fish (Gambusia Affinis) is indispensable to modern mosquito
control programs. This relative of the common guppy feeds primarily upon various aquatic
insects. They actually prefer mosquito larvae.
The mosquito itself has a life cycle which revolves around bodies of water. The most
common mosquitoes lay egg rafts that float on the water. In a few days these eggs hatch
into larvae. The larva hangs below the water surface and grows rapidly for several days.
Soon it becomes a pupa and in two to three days an adult mosquito is hatched.
The mosquito fish can be obtained in California without charge from your county Vector
Control District offices. The fish are compatible with most ornamental pond fish including
goldfish, koi and carp. They are quite hardy, can survive a wide range of environments,
and require little care.
The Gambusia can be safely introduced into natural streams, irrigation systems, drainage
systems, sloughs, ponds, reservoirs, cisterns, shallow wells, watering toughs and seepage
areas — any standing water habitat that holds water year around. The fish will eat
mosquito larvae as fast as they hatch. Their use has eliminated the need for frequent
spraying with a mosquito insecticide.
Back to Issue - September /
October 1998
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