A preliminary study on determination of Aphanius chantrei's feeding behaviour on mosquito larvae

Yildirim O., Karacuha A.

ACTA TROPICA, vol.102, no.3, pp.172-175, 2007 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 102 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2007
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2007.04.016
  • Journal Name: ACTA TROPICA
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.172-175
  • Keywords: Aphanius chantrei, feeding behaviour, mosquito control, larvae consumption, biological struggle, alternative, LARVIVOROUS FISH, BIOLOGICAL-CONTROL, GAMBUSIA-AFFINIS, DISPAR
  • Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: No

Abstract

In this study, Aphanius chantrei's behaviour of feeding on mosquito larvae has been determined under experimental conditions. In groups that have different sizes (first group 27 mm; second group 40 mm; third group 47 mm), larvae consumption has increased with length and weight. During daytime, average larvae consumption has been observed as 14.75 number fish(-1) in the first group, 55.13 number fish(-1) in the second group and 122.88 number fish(-1) in the third group. During the night, average larvae consumption has been determined for each group as 14.87 number fish(-1), 18.00 number fish(-1) and 28.36 number fish(-1), respectively. The average daily larvae consumption was found out as 29.62 number fish(-1) in the first group, 73.12 number fish(-1) in the second group and 151.25 number fish(-1) in the third group. The differences between the groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). This study has shown that Aphanius chantrei can be used in biological combat against mosquito instead of Gambusia spp., depending on the presence of food (mosquito); it can also feed at night. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.