[Capacity of the eggs of the larva-eating Rivulus cylindraceus fish, Poey 1860, for resisting desiccation. Possible use as a bioregulator of mosquito larvae in temporary reservoirs].

The capacity of the eggs of the Rivulus cylindraceus larvivorous fish to resist partial desiccation for a certain period of time is described. It was demonstrated that while the normal development of the eggs last for approximately 14 days, the maximum time of permanence out of the water was of 70 days. Some characteristics of the R. cylindraceus, which place it among the annual fishes to be used as biological control agents, are described. The use of R. cylindraceus as bioregulator in permanent as well as temporary reservoirs is proposed.