Why is it in the News?

Government and non-government groups in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Punjab have recently put Gambusia fish into local water sources to deal with mosquito issues.

About Gambusia fish:

• Gambusia, also known as mosquitofish, is a genus of small, freshwater fish in the family Poeciliidae.
• There are over 40 species of Gambusia, most of which are found in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
• Gambusia fish are known for their voracious appetite for mosquito larvae, and they have been widely introduced around the world for mosquito control.
• They are small, with females typically reaching a maximum length of 7 cm and males a maximum length of 4 cm.
• They have a slender body with a pointed snout and a small mouth.
• They are typically green or silver in color, with some species having dark spots on their sides.
• Gambusia fish are livebearers, meaning that they give birth to live young.
• Females can produce up to 1,000 fries (baby fish) per year.
• They are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of foods, including mosquito larvae, small insects, and zooplankton.
• Gambusia fish have been introduced to many parts of the world for mosquito control.
• However, they have also been shown to have negative impacts on native fish populations.
• In some cases, Gambusia fish have been known to outcompete and displace native fish species.
• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) declares Gambusia one of the 100 worst invasive alien species in the world.