If the sound of buzzing mosquitoes drives you mad, meet the mosquitofish – your unlikely ally in the war against these pesky insects! A natural predator of mosquitoes, this tiny fish has been the focus of marine biologist Alan Deidun’s recent study on Invasive Alien Species (IAS).

Originally introduced to Europe from the US nearly a century ago as biological control solution against mosquitoes, the mosquitofish quickly gained a reputation as an invasive species, disrupting native ecosystems by outcompeting and sometimes even harming native species.

Alan Deidun's research, supported by the rest of of the research team and the University of Palermo, revealed that all mosquitofish sampled in Malta belong to the Eastern Mosquitofish species (Gambusia holbrooki). This discovery is concerning, as this species is labeled a biohazard in places like New Zealand due to its harmful ecological impact.

Despite their substantial ecological influence, mosquitofish are quite small in size (the same can be said about mosquitoes themselves!) Females can grow up to 7 cm, while males are smaller at a tiny 4 cm. While famous for feasting on mosquito larvae, mosquitofish have a varied diet that includes zooplankton, beetles, mayflies, mites, and other small invertebrates.

Despite the challenges posed by this invasive species, Arnold and Jeffrey Sciberras, who are known as the 'Exterminator team' and collaborated on this project, believe that such studies provide valuable insights for preserving biodiversity and addressing the threats that alien species pose, emphasising that such information is power.

Have you ever spotted a mosquitofish?