Mosquito larvae can provide supplemental food to fish.
Mosquito larvae can provide essential nutrients when used as food for fish. Methods for gathering larvae can include collecting them in the field, or rearing your own larvae. Known as wigglers, it can take up to one week before a mosquito larvae becomes an adult. During this time, a larvae will use a siphon, its breathing tube, to obtain air. This makes identification of larvae easy. If you opt to rear your own larvae and you notice that they are floating instead of swimming, it's time to collect them for feeding to your fish.
Instructions
Field Collecting Method
1. Frequent places where mosquitoes lay their eggs.
Look for larvae in any standing water or ponds. Old tires and the bases of flower pots are two examples of where mosquitoes like to lay their eggs.
2. Take your mesh net and tilt it at a 45 degree angle, which is one of the best methods for catching larvae. Submerge the net 1-inch beneath the water and quickly pull the net up and out of the water to collect your larvae.
3. Place the larvae in a jar filled with water. This will keep your larvae safe while you transport them back to your fish.
Growing Your Own
4. Female mosquitoes are attracted to sweets.
Fill a bucket with water. Place debris such as leaves in the bucket. Alternatively, you can cut a panty hose stocking and fill it with apple or a watermelon rind. Place the stocking into your bucket instead of leaf debris.
5. Wait for your mosquito eggs to grow.
Keep your bucket outdoors for a week. Monitor for signs of eggs. Eggs appear as tiny pieces of soot, which are known as rafts.
6. Collect the larvae with your mesh net once they begin to hatch and start to float.
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