Female guppy (Poecilia reticulata) (Photo by tartaruga33 via Flickr CC BY 2.0)
Guppy fish were introduced in several cities as a way to combat carrier mosquito populations from spreading the dengue fever and the Zika virus. But new research out of University of Victoria recommends against this practice. Authors outline four arguments to support their reasoning. They say there’s limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of guppies as mosquito control; there are increased chances of guppies escaping from local bodies of water into a more open area due to flooding; guppy fish are known to be excellent invaders; and guppies are known to deplete local fauna and change ecosystems. Researchers recommend focusing on other disease control practices, such as installing mosquito screens.
Authors:
Rana W. El-Sabaawi, Therese C. Frauendorf, Piata S. Marques, Richard A. Mackenzie, Luisa R. Manna, Rosana Mazzoni, Dawn A. T. Phillip, Misha L. Warbanski, Eugenia Zandonà
Corresponding author:
Rana W. El-Sabaawi, Department of Biology, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700, Station CSC, Victoria, Canada BC V8 W 2Y2
Original paper published in Biology Letters on October 25, 2016.
