Gambusia holbrooki was the introduced species assessed and Hypseleotris klunzingeri and H. galii are native to the Buronga and Plumpton regions respectively. The native fish were found to be as effective as G. holbrooki at consuming and selecting for mosquito larvae. Therefore, these native species should be preferentially selected for the control of mosquito larvae because they are suited to the local conditions, transport problems are reduced and they already have natural predators and prey. Habitat management is also an effective management strategy for controlling mosquito larvae, especially through vegetation and water level manipulation. Although research has examined management strategies for mosquito larvae control, little has been reported on using native fish species as a biological control agent.
Results provide a basis for incorporating native fish into management of mosquito larvae.