Giant gourami (Osphronemus goramy: Anabantoidei) as a potential agent for control of weeds, the breeding source for the vectors of Brugia malayi.

The biocontrol efficacy of giant gourami against various aquatic weeds, which form the breeding source of Mansonioides, the vectors of B. malayi, was explored. This fish showed a feeding predilection towards Pistia plant which is the most favoured host of immatures of Mansonioides. A single fish consumed this weed on an average of 206.25 +/- 19.09 g and 316.85 +/- 26.55 g a day under laboratory and field conditions respectively. Techniques developed for the culturing of this fish are also described.