Larval Eating Capacity of Indigenous Larvivorous Fishes Against Larvae of Culex Quinquefasciatus Say in Field Experimental Conditions and Its Implications for Lymphatic Filariasis Control in South-Western Republic of Benin, West Africa

Abstract

Because of problems with insecticide resistance, alternative vector control methods are necessary. These methods include the use of biological control agents, such as larvivorous fishes. This study aimed to study the larval eating capacity of indigenous larvivorous fishes against larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus Say in field experimental conditions and its implications for lymphatic filariasis control in south-western Republic of Benin, West Africa. Larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes were collected from breeding sites using the dipping method from September to November 2024 during the small rainy season and from the March to July 2025 during the great rainy season. Alive local Clarias gariepinus fish and alive exotic fishes adapted to local life conditions Oreochromis mossambicus and Oreochromis niloticus were bought immediately once catched and carried by car from Agricultural Technical Lyceum of Adjahonmè to the Department of Sciences and Agricultural Techniques located in Dogbo district in Normal High School of Technical Teaching (ENSET) of Lokossa. Field experimental evaluation for larvivorous efficacy was conducted with unfed fishes weighed 30g, 40g and 50g respectively in swamp water and in pond water. The results showed that Clarias gariepinus fish ate more larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus than Oreochromis mossambicus and Oreochromis niloticus fishes for the different weights tested. Good results were obtained in field experimental conditions regarding the use of the larvivorous fishes against larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus in the current study.