Letter from Retnam Thillainathan, Straits Times Forum 13 Feb 08;
WHILE Singaporeans go ga-ga over molly fish supposed to bring 4-D luck (they have tattoos), in South India, breeding of 'mosquito fish' has intensified.
Known as Gambusia holbrooki, the fish devour mosquito larvae. Originally, they were found in Mississippi, in the United States.
Scientists discovered these fish are voracious eaters of mosquito larvae. By breeding them, it is possible to control breeding of mosquitoes. This method has caught on in other parts of Asia, wherever there is stagnant water.
The National Environment Agency is doing its best to eliminate dengue, chikungunya and other mosquito-borne viruses.
I wonder if it is possible to breed Gambusia holbrooki in Singapore, especially where there is stagnant water.
