Mosquitofish are diet generalists, but they are considered "larvivorous" because they consume the larvae of mosquitoes and other aquatic insects.
Their diet consists of zooplankton, small insects and insect larvae, and detritus material.
Mosquitofish feed on mosquito larvae at all stages of life, if mosquito larvae are available in the environment.
Adult females can consume up to hundreds of mosquito larvae in one day.
Maximum consumption rate in a day by one mosquitofish has been observed to be from 42%–167% of its own body weight.
However, they can suffer mortality if fed only mosquito larvae, and survivors of this diet shows poor growth and maturation.
As generalists, mosquitofish also shown cannibalistic behavior on the young of their own species.
Mosquitofish are diet generalists, but they are considered "larvivorous" because they consume the larvae of mosquitoes and other aquatic insects. Their diet consists of zooplankton, small insects and insect larvae, and detritus material. Mosquitofish feed on mosquito larvae at all stages of life, if mosquito larvae are available in the environment. Adult females can consume up to hundreds of mosquito larvae in one day. Maximum consumption rate in a day by one mosquitofish has been observed to be from 42%–167% of its own body weight. However, they can suffer mortality if fed only mosquito larvae, and survivors of this diet shows poor growth and maturation. As generalists, mosquitofish also shown cannibalistic behavior on the young of their own species.
Mosquitofish