These fish may be small, but one adult mosquitofish may eat up to 100 mosquito larvae per day. This is important because it disrupts the mosquito life cycle and prevents them ever developing into flying adults. Mosquitofish can also survive harsh conditions and water temperatures up to 100⁰F which is essential for our hot Florida summers.

In addition, they are among the best predators for the mosquito life cycle. Larvae are poor swimmers and are typically in bodies of water that are contained. This means that, unlike the adult mosquitoes which can fly various distances, the larvae are "sitting ducks." 

The larvae they target are also not old enough to transmit disease. Targeting the larval stage helps to cull mosquito numbers before they become disease-transmitting adults. 

Mosquitoes need water to survive. That’s because the female mosquito lays her eggs on or near water and the eggs hatch into tiny larvae that swim, feed and eventually develop into adults that fly and potentially bite. 

With the tropical Florida climate, mosquitoes can grow fast, and some species’ larval growth stage may be as short as four days to complete! This means lots of flying, biting mosquitoes can emerge in a short period of time.

Yes, they do! Eastern Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) are native to Florida. These vigorous and hardy fish are found in most bodies of freshwater in Sarasota County. Mosquitofish typically feed on algae, small living organisms, dead and decaying matter, and insect larvae such as mosquitoes. They are very adaptable, and their diet may vary depending on their surroundings and food sources available to survive.

 Why breed mosquitofish if they're found here naturally?

We breed mosquitofish at Mosquito Management so that we always have a supply available to add to water sources if needed.

Mosquitofish may not be present if a water source is new or has recently filled after a drought. Mosquito Management adds mosquitofish to seasonal, stagnant, or slow-moving water to aide in Integrated Pest Management efforts if fish are not already present.

Stagnant water around your home has the potential to attract and breed mosquitoes that are aggressive biters. If your property has stagnant water that you cannot dump, drain, or cover (or a new pond), you may have the perfect conditions for mosquitofish.

 Of course! If you are a resident of Sarasota County you can get them for free, but there are a few things to consider. If you answer “yes” to the following questions, please reach out to us as you might be a candidate for mosquitofish.

 

1.Is the volume of water in your container/pond 30 gallons or more? Not sure? That’s about the size of a large tote or outdoor trash can.

 2. Is the water free of predatory fish such as tilapia and bass? Please note that koi and other fish that eat plants are fine.

 3. Will the area be able to hold water for seasonably long periods of time? Some examples are:

• New ornamental/artificial ponds.
• New storm drains.
• Water troughs for large animals such as horses.
• Uncovered rain barrels.
• Open cistern.
• Abandoned unmaintained pools.
• Pools under construction.
• Stalled construction sites.

 4. Have you checked around your property to identify other sources of standing water? Need help with that? Click here for more information.

Please call us at 311 ( 941-861-5000 outside of Sarasota County) to schedule a service request. Alternatively, click the green “Request Service at Your Home” button at the top of the page. You'll be contacted for further details about your request.

 

Please note: Mosquitofish are not available for aquariums or for commercial use.

Oftentimes, mosquitofish populations are already present in ponds and other water sources but may not be easy to spot. We often send a Field Technician to inspect your property first before providing fish to ensure that it is the right environment, which means that:

• The water source is suitable for mosquitofish to thrive and flourish.
• There is not an existing mosquitofish population.
• There are no predatory fish that would eat the mosquitofish.

While technicians are at your property it is a good opportunity for them to identify other possible mosquito breeding sites and to make recommendations on how best to protect your property and household from potential mosquito problems.

To acclimate the fish: Keep them in the bag and let it float on the water. This will slowly transition the water temperature in the bag to its new surroundings preventing temperature shock, which can be fatal to fish.

Please acclimate your fish for a minimum of 10-15 minutes before releasing them into their new habitat.

• In containers like barrels and troughs, mosquitofish may need additional feeding with tropical fish flakes. Please follow “Feeding Guide” on label.
• In ponds and lakes mosquitofish will require no care.

Please note:

• The number of fish distributed depends on the size of the water body they will be in. Their breeding rate is also taken into consideration.
• Mosquitofish are not recommended for less than 30 gallons of water (Comparable sizes: large tote/outdoor trash can).

• Do not add to ponds containing predator fish.