Mosquito Eaters

[Melody]

With health concerns and just plain itchiness, keeping mosquitos out of the ponds is a growing concern. I was passing the time tonight while my Bratt fixed his computer...lol...and went looking for fish known to be mosquito larvae eaters. Most fish will eat it, but some are known for having it as a main diet. If you are planning your pond stock and mosquito control is a factor, you can usually dig up information about the wild diet of a fish and it should tell you if they thrive mainly on larvae.

My new Gambusia Affinis Holbrooki are the most famous natural fish control due to introductions that did not end well when they became a pest. They're still being used and introduced in controlled conditions though, be it in villages or backyard ponds.

Otherwise, I randomly found these larvae lovers:

Swordtails & Platy's
Mollies (particularly Sailfins it seems)
Limias
Guppies and Endler's Livebearers
Goodeids (who like cooler water as a rule)
Bettas (as mentioned in another thread)
Many Killifish species (http://www.killi.co.uk/mosquito.php)
Sunfish (Ennecantus obesus) (http://www.wgbh.org/cainan/article?item_id=1100077)
Pygmy sunfish (Elassoma evergladei) (http://www.nativefish.org/articles/pygmysunnie.php)
Peacock Goby (Tateurndina ocellicauda) (http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/breeding/Maloney_Katuska_Barbour_Breeding_T_ocellicaudahtml .htm)
Rainbowfish
Southern Blue Eye (Pseudomugil signifer)
Spanish Toothcarp (Aphanius iberus) (http://www.fishbase.org/Country/CountrySpeciesSummary.cfm?Country=Spain&Genus=Aphanius&Species=iberus)
Black Widow Tetra (Gymnocorymbus ternetzi) (http://www.wetpetz.com/blackwidow.htm)
Mosquito Fish (Heterandria formosa) - Named because they look like Mosquitos, but they also eat the larvae with great enthusiasm.
Hatchet Fish (Gasteropelecus sternicla) - Eat both larvae and mosqitoes. Best for ponds with high sides as they're amazing jumpers.
Goldfish
Tilapia
South American Cichlids

Not all of these are going to be suitable for all pond environments, but the choices are virtually endless. I'm sure I haven't even touched on a complete list. Lots of research would be in order for both environment and compatibility. Also keep in mind that most of these fish will have to be housed inside for the Winter.

Most will tell you to keep the pond fish hungry so they'll eat the larva, short of sacrificing their health. However, some fish will need more variety in their diet (although they may do ok combining the larvae with algae). Frankly, I think you can feed a reasonable amount and they'll still eat larvae - how many times have we fed fish only to have them eat like they're starving if you come back to finish off the dish of frozen food or whatever? LOL I don't think them being full enough to push the plate away is a big concern, especially when its something they love.

Any other recommendations?

[CACAdmin]

Thanks for the list. :smile: I have kept Heterandria formosa in my nano pond each year and I figure they must take care of any mosquito larva as I haven't seen any mosquitos.

[Namor]

Thanks indeed. I would like to try swords or guppies in a pond this year.

Living in an area where mosquitoes are the size of small birds makes this even more attractive.

Last spring seeing smoke, i thought one of my neighbors was burning something, only to find out it was huge columns of mosquitoes.:eek:

I personally know 3 people who have contracted some form of West Nile, so please take precautions out there.

[CACAdmin]

Thanks for reminding us to take precautions some of whichare both having fish that eat mosquitos and larva and also ensuring that you have you have adequate water movement in a pond. Mosquitoes like still, stagnant water.

[DaFishMan]

I was passing the time tonight while my Bratt fixed his computer...lol...
I'd say LOL, my Brattess !!!! *tickles you* :yes: Well it's a good thing you fixed my modem using your psychic powers when my isp couldn't find the problem. I'm voting for YOU. Which reminds me I better call them and cancel the tech for this afternoon... LOL.

"Any other recommendations?" - but of course !

Endler's Livebearers, Tilapia, South American Cichlids.
(definately move them inside in fall along with rest on the list)

My friend Gary had excellent result with guppies in his first pond.

It's great that so many of you have a wide choice of Livebearers, it's a great start to any pond and they'll feed on larvae like no tomorrow :)

[Melody]

No tickling the grumpy admin in the morning - there's a big yellow warning sign on my back before 8am :twitcy: . Glad the computer fixed itself though, I'm in one foul mood when mine isn't working so I can relate.:POed:

One thing I've heard little about is Cichlids in ponds, probably because I don't move in Cichlid-specific circles much. Is it common? They certainly have the colour and size to make a beautiful pond fish.

[Melody]

I am adding suggestions to the original list as we go along so there is a quick reference when I forget....er... when others forget:rolleyes:.

[DaFishMan]

No tickling the grumpy admin in the morning - there's a big yellow warning sign on my back before 8am

*reads the sign* What's that on the fine print ? *squints eyes*

*************************
* and Make Me Breakfast, NOW !!! *
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*Scurries off to make you breakfast* :BOLTS: -> The Kitchen
Signed,
Your Bratt ;)

Cichlids (usually larger South American species, oscars etc) and more commonly Tilapia in ponds are more common in warmer climates as opposed to here. Florida etc... Most people in North America go Livebearer or Koi but don't quote me :)