Consumption of Aedes aegypti Larvae by Poedlio reticuloto (Guppies) and Factors Which Affect the Productivity of the Larvivorous Fish in Drum Environments

Abstract

In small (2L) containers in the laboratory, and 200 L barrels in the field in Trinidad, adult Poecilia reticulata were able to consume means of 350 and 550 respectively 3rd - 4th instar larvae per day of Aedes aegypti. Mollienesia sphenops adults were more voracious, consuming a mean of 575 larvae in small containers in the laboratory and 800 larvae per day in drums in the field. Adult P. reticulata placed in 200 L barrels were most productive of new immature fish (means) at densities of 1 pr/barrel (18.0) > 2 pr/barrel (12.8) > 10 pr/barrel (2.7), over a 12 week period, when exposed to direct sunlight. Fish placed in barrels as immatures were even more productive with a mean of 28.7 new immatures/barrel. At the same time, fish placed in barrels shaded from direct sunlight thrived less well than those in direct exposure to sunlight. Mortality was greatest in barrels with the highest densities of fish, decreasing to close to zero in drums with only 1 pr of P. reticulata. No Ae. aegypti larvae were detected in drums with fish.

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