In this study, Aphanius chantrei’s behaviour of feeding on mosquito larvae has been determined under experimental conditions.
In groups that have different sizes (first group 27 mm; second group 40 mm; third group 47 mm), larvae consumption has increased
with length and weight. During daytime, average larvae consumption has been observed as 14.75 number fish-1 in the first group,
55.13 number fish−1 in the second group and 122.88 number fish−1 in the third group. During the night, average larvae consumption
has been determined for each group as 14.87 number fish−1, 18.00 number fish−1 and 28.36 number fish−1, respectively. The average
daily larvae consumption was found out as 29.62 number fish−1 in the first group, 73.12 number fish−1 in the second group and
151.25 number fish−1 in the third group. The differences between the groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). This study
has shown that Aphanius chantrei can be used in biological combat against mosquito instead of Gambusia spp., depending on the
presence of food (mosquito); it can also feed at night.
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