Differences in Predation Power between Molly Fish (Poecilia Sphenops) And Mosquito Fish (Gambusia Affinis) as Predators of Aedes Sp Mosquito Larvae

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) continues to be a major public health issue in Indonesia, as chemical management approaches present environmental and health hazards. This research examined the effectiveness of two fish species, Molly Fish (Poecilia sphenops) and Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis), as biological control agents against Aedes sp. larvae in Kalimantan. The experiment employed a randomized complete block design to compare the predation rates of these fish on Aedes sp. larvae over a duration of three hours. Nine replicates were performed for each fish species, utilizing 25 larvae per trial. The research indicated that Molly Fish had a higher predation rate, consuming an average of 55.11% of larvae, in contrast to Mosquitofish at 40.88%. The Mann-Whitney U test indicated a statistically significant difference in predation capacity between the two species (p < 0.000). Both fish species had a normal data distribution; however, the variances were not uniform. The control group, devoid of predator fish, exhibited no larval mortality. The findings indicate that Molly Fish may be more efficacious in managing Aedes sp. larvae numbers, providing a sustainable and environmentally acceptable alternative to chemical control approaches. The study advocates for the incorporation of Molly Fish in community-oriented vector control initiatives, specifically in water storage containers and other stagnant water sources. Future studies should examine the long-term efficacy of these fish species and assess additional potential biological control agents for complete mosquito management techniques.