Invasive Fish Species: Mosquito Control or Ecological Threat?
Invasive Fish Species: Mosquito Control or Ecological Threat? The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought a response from the Central Government regarding the use of two invasive fish species — Gambusia affinis and Poecilia reticulata —as biological agents for mosquito control in India. Common Characteristics of Both Species IUCN Status : Least Concern Environmental Tolerance : Survive in brackish water , high salinity, and extreme temperatures. Gambusia Affinis (Western Mosquitofish) Native Range : Mississippi River Basin , USA (from Indiana to the Gulf of Mexico). Habitat : Found in freshwater bodies , especially stagnant ponds and slow-moving streams . Key Characteristics : Can survive in low oxygen environments. Viviparous : Give birth to live young instead of laying eggs. Aggressive nature : Preys on native fish and disrupts local biodiversity. Invasive Impact : Listed among the 100 worst invasive species (IUCN). Outcompetes native fish species and alters ecosystems . Poec...