EFFECTIVENESS OF Betta splendens AS A BIOLOGICAL PREDATORY AGAINST Aedes aegypti LARVAE

Abstract

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is caused by dengue virus and transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquito. There are several fish species known to be used as a biological predator of Aedes aegypti larvae, such as Betta splendens. The purpose of this study was to examine Betta splendens as a biological predator of Aedes aegypti larvae. The larvae used were in the fourth stage. The Betta splendens consisted of four replicate groups, 3 and 6 months male age group, and 3 and 6 months female age group. The effectiveness rate of predation was only counted based on the speed of eating of 25 larvae in the aquarium containing 3 liters of water. Statistical test was performed with Annova with the parameters fish body weight and time to prey. The longest mean of preying time was found in 3 months aged male fish group (mean body weight = 1.474 grams), with a mean time of prey = 153.80 seconds. The shortest mean preying time was found ini 6 months aged female fish group (mean body weight = 2.566 grams), with a mean time of prey = 142.41 seconds. In conclusion, female 6 month-aged fish with highest mean body weight is most effective againts Aedes aegypti larvae. The body weight can affect the speed of preying, but body weight is only one of some variables that affect the speed and effectiveness beside gender and age of Betta splendens.

Predatory Efficiency of Larvivorous Fish against Mosquito Larvae in Different Water Temperature Levels: Implication in Control Measure of Dengue Vector

“…Fish that have longer intestines show more predation ability ( 14 ). This physical dimension is related to the sex of the fish where females tend to be bigger and heavier so they can prey on larvae faster and more ( 19 ). Larvae characteristics also influence the predation ability of fish, especially the size and movement of larvae.…”

Predation ability Toxorhynchites splendens larvae from Banjarbaru

“…Mosquito predators based on their life phase are divided into two, namely immature phases predators such as fish, odonata larvae, mosquito larvae, and carnivorous plants [12][13][14][15][16] and mature phases such as spiders, lizards [17][18][19]. These natural enemies generally have a less negative effect on the environment so they can be used as mosquito population control…”