Comparison of Puntius conchonius and Gambusia affinis for Feeding Rate of Mosquito Larvae

Aim: Mosquito are a major problem in almost all tropical and subtropical countries, as they are responsible for the transmission of pathogens which causes different diseases.

Study Design: The present study deals with the comparison of Puntius conchonius and Gambusia affinis for feeding rate of mosquito larvae.

Place and Duration of Work: The mosquito larvae collected from Badapur, Tal. Yeola Dist. Nashik between 2010 -2011.

Methodology: Fishes introduced into experimental jar individually and acclimatized for 1 hrs. Then 200 to 500 larvae introduced into jar for each fish. Readings were taken after 10 min, 20 min, 30 min initially and then after 1 hr, 3 hr, 6 hr, 9 hr, 12 hr and 24 hours, respectively. It determines feeding rate, food consumption and larvivorous potential of fishes.

Results: The comparative account of the feeding rate of two different species which came as Puntius conchonius > Gambisia affinis. Whereas, when the food consumption pattern was different i.e. Gambisia affinis > Puntius conchonius.

Conclusion: The length and weight increases, the feeding rate also increases. It was found that the larvivorous activity of the ornamental fishes was greater than the well-known Gambusia affinis.