Mosquito fish are a critical part of Orange County Vector Control District’s integrated approach to mosquito control.  Mosquito fish have a tremendous appetite for mosquito larvae, and are very effective at preventing the production of mosquitoes in water containers that are too large to dump out.  They are excellent choices for situations like non-chlorinated, out-of-service swimming pools and ornamental ponds.  They should not be used in situations where they might escape into natural waterways and become pests.

Mosquito fish grow to a maximum size of about 2 inches in length and live 2-3 years.  They are live-bearing and can produce up to 3 broods per year.  The young fish or fry will be eaten by larger fish unless they are provided with aquatic vegetation that is dense enough to offer protection.  Mosquito fish can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, and are quite tolerant of pollution.  They prefer the sunlit areas of the pond and do not thrive in a heavily shaded pond.  During winter they become inactive, move to the bottom, and eat very little. 

Mosquito fish will eat almost anything and one fish is capable of eating over 100 mosquito larvae per day.  Feeding the fish is not necessary unless the pond is new and bare of vegetation.  In this case, tropical fish flakes are suitable.

To see a video of mosquito fish eating mosquito larvae, click here.

To pick up your own mosquito fish, click here.