Gambusia fish

November 24, 2023

In states like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Punjab, mosquitofish have been released into local water bodies to address a mosquito menace.
A new study has revealed that two species of mosquitofish have invaded various ecosystems across India.

MOSQUITO BORNE DISEASES

The world’s climate and habitats have changed noticeably in the last century, accelerating the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
These diseases prevail in more than 150 countries worldwide, affecting more than 500 million people.
In India alone, around 40 million individuals contract mosquito-borne diseases every year.
Examples of mosquito borne diseases- Malaria, West Nile Virus, Dengue, Zika, Yellow Fever, Chikungunya.

ABOUT GAMBUSIA FISH

In 1928, Gambusia was first introduced in India during British rule.

In the 1960s, introducing mosquitofish in freshwater ecosystems to feed on mosquito larvae – became prominent as alternatives to chemical solutions like pesticides.
Among mosquito predators, there were two species of mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis and Gambusia holbrooki.
In countries with governments that had approved this strategy, the authorities released them into freshwater ecosystems.
However the fish began to proliferate, with their populations eventually spreading far beyond their original habitats.
These species of mosquitofish originated in the U.S. but today have become global inhabitants.
Threats- They are notorious for their detrimental ecological impact, including displacing and preying on native fauna, leading to the extinction of native fish, amphibians, and various freshwater communities.
Checks-
- Because of such threats, the World Health Organisation stopped recommending Gambusia as a mosquito control agent in 1982.
- In 2018, the National Biodiversity Authority of the Government of India also designated G. affinis and G. holbrooki as invasive alien species.

But both government and non-governmental organisations in India have continued to introduce these species for mosquito-control.