Use of the Gila Topminnow, Poeciliopsis occidentalis, for vector control

Authors: Elizabeth Grube, Brian Hickerson

Year: 2022

Abstract

Standing waters are prime breeding habitat for mosquitoes, a vector for diseases, that can pose a serious public health threat to the community. Due to their reputation as mosquito-control agents, the Western mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, have been stocked around the world. to control larval mosquitos. Mosquitofish are recognized as a highly invasive and detrimental aquatic nuisance species that are a direct threat to topminnow and other native aquatic species throughout Arizona. The use of Gila Topminnow, Poeciliopsis occidentalis, as a means of vector control directly eliminates the need to use Mosquitofish. Arizona Game and Fish Department has been partnering with Pima and Pinal County and private ranches and guest ranches in southern Arizona to use Gila Topminnow as vector control at specific, isolated and unconnected waters. The success of these programs has also encouraged private landowners to enroll in the Topminnow and Pupfish Safe Harbor Agreement to replace mosquitofish in their private waters.