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Abstract
Commentary and discussion on a recent paper promoting the use of Nothobranchius guentheri, a small African annual fish from the Island of Zanzibar as a tool to control mosquito larvae in temporary bodies of freshwater throughout Africa is presented.Arguments on major points; (1) expected low success of annual fish introductions, (2) low success of mosquito control in the field, (3) ecological threats, and (4) ethical issues are detailed.Despite serious problems with mosquito-borne diseases in tropical Africa and elsewhere, we encourage responsible means of biological control of parasite vectors. We show that effectiveness of Nothobranchius translocations is low (the previous attempts failed), likelihood of effective mosquito larvae control under field condition is negligible and ecological threats from Nothobranchius translocations from within and outside the naturally occurring range are serious. We advocate against the proposed next step of the project, i.e. field trials in Tanzania.
Highlights
Commentary and discussion on a recent paper promoting the use of Nothobranchius guentheri, a small African annual fish from the Island of Zanzibar as a tool to control mosquito larvae in temporary bodies of freshwater throughout Africa is presented
In a recent issue of Parasites & Vectors, Matias and Adrias [1] report on their experiments on food preference of Nothobranchius guentheri, a small annual fish from Zanzibar Island (Tanzania), and conclude that the fish may become an ideal “tool to be employed in the eradication of diseases carried by mosquitoes through vector control, in temporary bodies of freshwater”
We are well aware of the high risk of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases in the tropics and we applaud any attempt to reduce the risk of contracting vector-borne diseases in those areas and elsewhere
Summary
Report on the investigation of Nothobranchius fish localities in the Kruger National Park, 1999-2003. Watters BR: A study of Nothobranchius habitats in the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park.
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