Thursday, December 07, 2023

LIFE IN PICTURES: Pink lotus


The flowers last for around 3 days. This is from my dad's terrace garden in Male', the capital island of Maldives.

This particular flower is now in the wilting stage.

There are white and purple lotus, too. It's found in abundance in rivers and lakes in Sri Lanka where I lived for some years.

There's a catch, however: it won't remain as just a lotus pond or container; you have to take the additional "burden" of caring for fresh water fish that are introduced in order to eat mosquito larvae and other types of larvae.

Various freshwater fish species are known to feed on mosquito larvae and other types of larvae. These fish can be beneficial in controlling mosquito populations and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

You can buy them at any hobbyist or aquarium dealer shops.

Some common types of freshwater fish that consume mosquito larvae and other aquatic larvae include:

1) Gambusia (Mosquito Fish): Gambusia affinis, commonly known as mosquito fish, are perhaps the most well-known for their voracious appetite for mosquito larvae. They are often introduced into bodies of water for mosquito control.

2) Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus): Bluegill sunfish are omnivorous and will consume a variety of small aquatic organisms, including mosquito larvae.

3) Goldfish (Carassius auratus): Goldfish are known to feed on mosquito larvae and other small invertebrates. However, they can be invasive in some ecosystems, so caution should be taken when introducing them.

4) Koi (Cyprinus carpio): Koi are omnivorous and will consume mosquito larvae as part of their diet. They are commonly found in ornamental ponds.

5) Tilapia (Various species): Tilapia are known for their adaptability to different environments and are often used in aquaculture. They can be effective in controlling mosquito larvae populations.

6) Minnows: Various minnow species, such as fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas), are known to consume mosquito larvae. They are often used in mosquito control programs.

7) Killifish (Various species): Killifish are small freshwater fish that may feed on mosquito larvae and other small aquatic organisms.

When considering introducing fish into a water body for mosquito control, it's essential to choose species that are compatible with the local ecosystem and won't negatively impact native species. Additionally, local regulations and guidelines should be followed to avoid unintentional introductions and disruptions to the natural balance of the ecosystem.

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