title: A preliminary study on determination of Aphanius chantrei's feeding behaviour on mosquito larvae.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries, Muğla University, Muğla 48000, Turkey. onyil@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Onder
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Yildirim
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Karacuha
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D009033:Culicidae / Q000254:growth & development*; D003532:Cyprinodontiformes / Q000502:physiology*; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D007814:Larva / Q000502:physiology; D009032:Mosquito Control; D010572:Pest Control, Biological; D011235:Predatory Behavior / Q000502:physiology