Did you know that native Northern Territory
fish can be very effective in controlling
mosquito populations?
These fish eat mosquito larvae and help control the algae that provide
protection to the larvae.
Native fish species have none of the problems associated with the use of an introduced
species, as long as they are not introduced to areas where they do not naturally occur.
Many small native fish are hardy and will reproduce quickly in most permanent water bodies
such as ponds or dams, and will form a population large enough to control mosquito larvae.
During high rainfall fish in dams and ponds can easily escape into local creeks and river
systems, which is why it is important to use native fish from the local area so local ecosystems
are not disturbed.
Fish suitable for mosquito larvae control in the Top End region
include:
Black-banded Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia nigrans)
The Black-banded Rainbowfish usually grows to six centimetres in length. It is recommended
that a minimum size for an aquarium to keep a small group of these fishes is 60 centimetres.
They are a schooling fish and best kept in a group of five or more. In captivity they will accept
most prepared foods. Rainbowfish are a peaceful fish that will fit in well with most other fishes of
the same size.
Chequered Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia splendida inornata)
The Chequered Rainbowfish is a little more tolerant of lower dissolved oxygen levels than other
rainbowfishes. It likes to be in a planted aquarium with an open swimming area. A captive diet
should contain between 30% and 50% vegetable matter as this is probably one of the most
vegetarian of all rainbowfishes and if it is not given some vegetable matter in its diet it may start
to eat the plants in the aquarium.
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Delicate Blue-eye (Pseudomugil tenellus)
Delicate Blue-eyes are best kept in a group of half a dozen or more with a minimum aquarium
size of around 30 centimetres. If they are placed in an area where they receive morning sunlight
you will see a magnificent display when the fishes are illuminated by natural light. They can be
fed most prepared foods but will not thrive on dry flake food alone. They will grow to
approximately six centimetres in captivity.
Penny Fish (Denariusa bandata)
The Penny Fish is a small perch-like fish that belongs to the Glass fish family. It grows to
approximately four centimetres, has a peaceful disposition and are fine to be placed with other
small community fishes. In an aquarium it is recommended that small frozen foods be used,
supplemented with two or more lots of live foods per week.
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