Resumo

ROJAS P, Elmer; GAMBOA B, Mario; VILLALOBOS R, Segundo  e  CRUZADO V, Francisco. Eficacia del control de larvas de vectores de la malaria con peces larvívoros nativos en San Martín, Perú. Rev Peru Med Exp Salud Publica [online]. 2004, vol.20, n.1, pp.44-50. ISSN 1726-4634.

Objective: To determine the efficacy of larval control for malaria vectors with larvae feeding native fish in San Martin, Peru. Material and methods: Experimental study performed in Yumbatos, Alianza, and San Juan de Shuani in eight breeding places each, comparing the larvicidal efficacy of the following species: Rivulus urophtalmus ("chuina") and Pyrrulina brevis ("achualillo") against Poecilia reticulata ("guppy"). Variables such as temperature, pH, water electrolyte concentration, fish density, and the presence of other predators were measured. Results: Native fish achieved a 98% efficacy in controlling Anopheles larvae when they were maintained in densities ranging from 10 to 15 fish/m²; these fish reach 8 cm long, and they are more voracious compared to Poecilia reticulata. Additionally, it was evidenced that the existence of predating fish, such as Hoplias malabaricus ("fasaco") and Simbranchus marmoratus ("atinga") who feed on the aforementioned small fish. Conclusions: Native fish are efficacious for controlling Anopheles larvae; also, the existence of other predator species should be taken into account, as well as cleaning the weeds in order to improve control efficacy.

Palavras-chave : Mosquito Control; Vector Control; Anopheles; Malaria; Larviphage Fishes; Peru.