Chanda ranga: Etroplus Maculatus Geophagus

Tuesday 24 July 2012

Etroplus Maculatus Geophagus

A small cyprinodont which can withstand considerable variations in temperature with season. Although not native to Mexico the natural range of this fish extends very close to the border with the U.S. Thus the only recorded introduction of this species represents an extension southwards of its natural range. The aptly named mosquito fish is one of the species with the widest range of introductions. The species has been transported to every continent to. control mosquitos and has thus acquired a near pan-global distribution. Its extreme tolerance of low as well as high temperatures and of low dissolved oxygen conditions has favoured its establishment over. wide range of climatic conditions. The success of this species in controlling mosquitos has been the subject of mud debate (see for example Gerberich and Laird, 1968). The use of biological vector controls waned with the introduction of pesticides, but recent ecological concern as to the effect! of such bio-toxins has led to a renewed interest in biological control.