The eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) was introduced to Australia in 1925, and had spread from the northeast coasts to New South Wales, southern Australia, and parts of Western Australia by 1934.[1] By the 21st century, known populations of wild mosquitofish had occurred in every state and territory except the Northern Territory, found in swamps, lakes, billabongs, thermal springs, salt lakes, and ornamental ponds. Mosquitofish are considered a noxious pest, especially in New South Wales and Queensland, and it is illegal to release them into the wild or transport them live into any of the states or territories.[2] Mosquitofish were introduced by military and local councils to control mosquito populations; however, there has been no evidence that Gambusia has had any effect in controlling mosquito populations or mosquito-borne diseases.[3] Studies have shown that Gambusia can suffer mortalities if fed only on mosquito larvae, and survivors show poor growth and maturation.[1] Gambusia typically eat zooplankton, beetles, mayflies, caddis flies, mites and other invertebrates; mosquito larvae make up only a small portion of their diet.[4]
- ^ a b Kitching, R.l., ed. The Ecology of Exotic Animals. Milton: John Wiley and Sons, 1986. 7-25.
- ^ Fairfax, R, R Fensham, R Wager, S Brooks, A Webb, and P Unmack. 'Recovery of the Red-Finned Blue-Eye: an Endangered Fish From Springs of the Great Artesian Basin.' Wildlife Research 34 (2007): 156-166. 14 May 2008 <http://www.publish.csiro.au/?paper=WR06086>.
- ^ Lake, John S. Freshwater Fishes and Rivers of Australia. Thomas Nelson and Sons, Ltd. Sydney: 1971. 26.
- ^ Lund, Mark. 'Mosquitofish: Friend or Foe?' Edith Cowan University. 16 November 2005. Dr. Mark Lund's Wetlands Research Website, ECU. 9 May 2008 <"Friend or Foe". Archived from the original on 20 September 2006. Retrieved 20 September 2006.>.