Mosquito fish control mosquito larvae in ornamental ponds.
Mosquito fish control mosquitoes in streams and pond as an alternative to using insecticides. A mosquito fish can eat more than 100 mosquito larvae each day. All ages and sizes of this fish eat mosquito larvae, as well as small invertebrates and algae. It is unnecessary to feed these fish as long as there is vegetation available in the pond. If there is no vegetation, particularly in the winter, feed them tropical fish food or dry cat or dog food. Does this Spark an idea?
Description
According to the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD) mosquito fish are pale gray, with a muddy white belly. A typical female is about 2.5 inches long, an inch larger than the male. Females can get as large as 3.25 inches. Young are born live. Mosquito fish usually live for two to three years and can produce as many as three or four broods each year, according to the Homeowner's Guide to Mosquito Fish.
Uses
GLACVCD notes that a permit is required for private citizens to stock mosquito fish in state waters. GLACVCD encourages these fish for ornamental ponds, nonworking swimming pools and animal watering troughs. In order to properly adjust mosquito fish to their new environment, place them in the water in their transport container for 20 minutes to an hour before releasing them.
Habitat
Mosquito fish can exist in a variety of temperatures, according to the Homeowner's Guide to Mosquito Fish. While they prefer water temperatures 77 to 86 degrees, they can tolerate temperatures of 33 to 104 degrees. They move to lower depths and hibernate in the winter. For that reason they may not survive in shallow ponds (less than 18 inches deep).
Compatibility
According to GLACVD, mosquito fish are a better choice for controlling mosquito larvae than other fish because of their small size, ease of breeding and maintenance, and lack of disease. If added to ornamental ponds, they are compatible with gold fish, carp and koi. However, they are not compatible with bass, bluegill, catfish, perch, turtles, crayfish and frogs. Robyn's Mosquito Fish Page notes that a 1999 study indicated that they may have been responsible for a decline of newts and small frogs in California. Mosquito fish prefer tree frog tadpoles over mosquito larvae. They will also eat the larvae of salamanders and toads.
Dangers
When establishing a new pond, the Homeowners Guide to Mosquito Fish cautions against using copper pipes because they are lethal to mosquito fish. Plastic piping is safe. New concrete is also hazardous as it makes the water alkaline by leaching lime into it. To avoid this problem fill the pond with water, allow it to stand for a few days, then drain and refill it with fresh water. The appropriate pH should be between 6.5 and 8.0. Whiskey or wine barrels can also emit chemicals. Clean and soak them thoroughly before placing fish or plants in them. Predators of mosquito fish include raccoons, cats, possums, egrets and herons. Place large rocks on the bottom of the pond for protection. Certain plants and leaves are also harmful to mosquito fish including duckweed, pine, eucalyptus and oak.
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