Comparative toxicity of certain mosquitocidal compounds to larvivorous fish, Poecilia reticulata.

Toxicity of certain mosquitocidal compounds (both larvicides and adulticides) to the larvivorous fish Poecilia reticulata was determined in the laboratory. Among the various chemical insecticides tested, the synthetic pyrethroid deltamethrin was most toxic to fish (LC50 = 0.016 ppm), while the organophosphorus insecticide abate was least toxic (LC50 = 34 ppm). The bioinsecticides Spherix (Bacillus sphaericus) and Bactoculicide (Bacillus thuringiensis H-14) showed highest safety for the fish (LC50 > 1000 mg/litre). Integrated use of larvivorous fish and bioinsecticide in vector control has been suggested.