[RP TownTalk] Mosquitoes

[edabjr]

*Fish and Tadpoles* Koi may be beautiful, but are generally too large to
prey on mosquito larvae. However, since Koi are known for their mellow
nature, you might consider adding some smaller fish. Common goldfish,
killifish, and guppies are three types of fish that are known to eat
mosquito larvae and will get along well with other fish. If you have a
natural pond that is not stocked with bass, bluegill, or catfish, you might
want to consider adding some fathead minnows. Bass, bluegill, and catfish
are all natural predators to mosquito larvae and will not need any
additional help.

If you have a pond or any water source that does not have any fish,
consider adding some gambusia affinis, better known as the mosquito fish.
Mosquito fish are about an inch long and look similar to a guppy. A large
female gambusia is capable of consuming over two hundred mosquito larvae in
an hour. They are very aggressive fish and begin attacking the larvae when
they are only a couple hours old. Unfortunately, they will also attack
dragonfly larvae (which are another predator to mosquito larvae) and will
be aggressive toward other fish and tadpoles.

Mosquito fish are very hardy and capable of adapting to different
temperatures and salinity. They live naturally in the southern United
States. However, some varieties of mosquito fish have been bred to survive
colder temperatures, even down to -30oF. They are livebearers and can
produce three to four broods each summer of about twenty-five to one
hundred young each. You do not have to worry about them over-populating
since they are also very aggressive towards each other.

If you have a large birdbath that is constantly filled with water, consider
adding about ten fish. Larger ornamental ponds can support anywhere from 35
to 100 fish. For wastewater ponds, add about 1000 fish per acre. Minnows,
guppies, and small goldfish can also be added to birdbaths and ornamental
ponds, but they are not as hardy as the mosquito fish. You do not have to
worry about feeding them either, since they sustain themselves on what they
find in the water.

If you're not interested in having fish, consider tadpoles. Tadpoles not
only eat mosquito larvae, but they grow up to become toads or frogs, which
will eat mosquitoes. One toad can consume about a hundred mosquitoes a
night.

Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/ongoldfishpond#ixzz36sl7EmDW
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