• UGI USER
  • Jan 23, 2024
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MOSQUITOFISH INVASION IN INDIA

Why in the News?

  • Mosquitofish, introduced to combat mosquito-borne diseases, have turned invasive in India.
  • Visakhapatnam plans to release an additional six lakh mosquitofish, following the earlier release of 20 lakh.
Source: TH

Mosquitofish in India:

  • Introduced in 1928 during British rule, mosquitofish are species promoted as a biological control method to combat mosquitoes as the feed on mosquito larvae.
  • Gambusia affinis and Gambusia holbrooki were introduced in India to prey on mosquito larvae.
  • Despite well-intentioned efforts, mosquitofish populations have proliferated in various habitats in India.
  • Danger : Known for displacing native fauna, leading to the extinction of native fish, amphibians, and freshwater communities.
  • India designated G. affinis and G. holbrooki as invasive alien species in 2018.
What are invasive species ?

Invasive species are non-native organisms introduced to a new environment, often causing harm to ecosystems, native species, and human activities. Their aggressive spread can lead to ecological imbalances and biodiversity loss.