As part of an integrated vector management programme for rural malaria, larvivorous fish are introduced into wells, ponds, and irrigation channels. Which fish species is conventionally used for this purpose in India?
- A Gambusia affinis and Poecilia reticulata ✓
- B Cyprinus carpio and Hypophthalmichthys molitrix
- C Oreochromis mossambicus
- D Clarias batrachus
Correct answer: A. Gambusia affinis and Poecilia reticulata
Explanation
Gambusia affinis (mosquito fish) and Poecilia reticulata (guppy) are the standard larvivorous fish used in India for biological control of Anopheles larvae in wells, ponds, tanks, and slow streams. They feed voraciously on mosquito larvae and breed readily, providing sustained suppression without chemicals. The species in options B and D are food fishes, and Tilapia (option C) is not the conventional larvivorous agent recommended in national programmes. Biological control is favoured where larval habitats are permanent and inaccessible to insecticides.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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