The Influence of Digestive Tract Length of Larvivorous Fish Related to Predation Potential on Aedes aegypti Larvae

Abstract

Biological vector control by using larvivorous fish will be beneficial in reducing Aedes aegypti population, hence reducing risk of dengue virus transmission. It is important to select the larvivorous fish according to its digestive organ.Current study aimed to investigate the predation potential among the fish species and to identify the influence of the digestive tract length of the fish related to their predation potential. The research was an analytical observational study with post-test only design. Third stage larvae of Aedes aegypti were used as preys for tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), common carper (Cyprinus carpio), and guppy (Poecillia reticulata). In association with their digestive tract length, predation potential of tilapia, common carper, and guppy showed statistical differences (P<0.05). Tilapia demonstrated highest predation of the larvae, followed by common carper and guppy. There are associations between difference in shapes of mouth and intestines, mouth width, intestinal length, and predation potential of these fish species. Current study results showed possible associations between digestive tract length of tilapia, common carper and guppy and predation potential on Aedes aegypti larvae, allowing these fish species to be used inbiological control of Aedes aegypti.

Predatory Efficiency of Larvivorous Fish against Mosquito Larvae in Different Water Temperature Levels: Implication in Control Measure of Dengue Vector

“…Although this variable has been controlled, P. reticulata has a shorter body size rather than the other species. The body size of fish represents the bowel length and indicates the predation ability ( 14 ). Betta splendens fish are the best predators at the medium and the lower-temperature levels, although they are only slightly different from the ability of A. panchax .…”

“…Different fish species show different body sizes, lengths, and weights. Fish that have longer intestines show more predation ability ( 14 ). This physical dimension is related to the sex of the fish where females tend to be bigger and heavier so they can prey on larvae faster and more ( 19 ).…”

Male and Female Rosy Barb Fish (Pethia conchonius) Predation Time Against Aedes aegypti Mosquito Larva and Pupa Stage in the Morning

“…29 Guppies have the potential to be an effective natural biological vector control for Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, and Culex quinquefasciatus. 30 For a fish to be used as a mosquito biocontrol agent, it must meet two basic criteria: First, it must have a high predation efficacy on mosquito larvae; second, it must be resistant to low oxygen concentrations while also being toxic metabolite tolerant. 31 In future research, it is expected that the potential of rosy barb fish needs to be tested on other species of mosquito larvae.…”