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VOL. 11, ISSUE 2 (2026)
Comparative effects of artificial, live, and mosquito larvae-based feeds on growth and reproductive performance of Poecilia reticulata and Gambusia affinis
Authors
V Agatha Christy, L Roselin Rajathi, Poolpandi K, Alrich Micheal M
Abstract
Mosquitoes are major vectors of several human diseases,
and biological control using larvivorous fishes presents an eco-friendly
alternative to chemical insecticides. This study evaluated the effects of
artificial feed, live feed, and mosquito larvae feed on the growth and
reproductive performance of two ornamental freshwater fishes, Poecilia
reticulata (guppy) and Gambusia affinis (mosquito fish), under
laboratory conditions over 90 days. Fry were acclimatized and randomly assigned
to triplicate tanks (n = 20 per tank) for each feed treatment. Growth parameters—including
absolute growth rate (AGR), weight gain, daily growth rate (DGR), specific
growth rate (SGR), standard length—and relative fecundity were measured, and
water quality was maintained within optimal ranges. Statistical analysis using
one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD test revealed significant differences (p
< 0.001) among feed treatments. Mosquito larvae feed significantly enhanced
AGR, DGR, SGR, standard length, and relative fecundity in both species compared
to live feed and artificial feed. In guppies, AGR reached 0.790 ± 0.083 g and
standard length 4.3 ± 0.37 cm, while in G. affinis, AGR was 1.988 ±
0.026 g and standard length 4.3 ± 0.25 cm in the mosquito larvae feed group.
These findings indicate that mosquito larvae serve as a highly nutritious diet,
promoting superior growth and reproductive output in ornamental fishes. The
study highlights the dual benefits of employing P. reticulata and G.
affinis in integrated mosquito control programs, combining enhanced fish
performance with effective biocontrol of mosquito populations.
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Pages:640-644
How to cite this article:
V Agatha Christy, L Roselin Rajathi, Poolpandi K, Alrich Micheal M "Comparative effects of artificial, live, and mosquito larvae-based feeds on growth and reproductive performance of <i>Poecilia reticulata</i> and <i>Gambusia affinis</i>". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 11, Issue 2, 2026, Pages 640-644
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