Habitat heterogeneity and prey selection of Aplocheilus panchax: an indigenous larvivorous fis

Abstract

Objective: The ability of the native larvivorous fish Aplocheilus panchax (Hamilton, 1822) (Cyprinodontiformes:Aplocheilidae) as predator of mosquito larvae was assessed under laboratory conditions using multiple prey andhabitat conditions.Methods: The consumption of larvae of the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus Say 1823 (Diptera: Culicidae) byA. panchax was evaluated in the presence of tubificid worms and chironomid larvae under complex and simplehabitat conditions. The number of mosquito larvae consumed in comparison to other prey types was noted andan index of prey selectivity was used to evaluate the preference for mosquito larvae.Results: Aphlocheilus panchax consumed 53 to 65 mosquito larvae in a three hour feeding bout contrast to 29–38 tubificid worms and 43–62 chironomid larvae depending on the habitat conditions. The prey consumptiondiffered significantly between the habitats and the prey type. The index of prey selectivity was positive for Cx.quinquefasciatus larvae over other alternative prey in all the habitat conditions.Conclusion: It is apparent from the study that the larvivorous fish A. panchax can be employed for biologicalregulation of mosquitoes in rice-fields and similar wetlands where the multiple prey choices are available undercomplex habitat conditions. However, field studies including other prey species will be required to substantiatethis finding

Keywords

• Aplocheilus panchax
• biological control
• complex habitat
• mosquito larva