Within the framework of the fight against dengue, a project by the Faculty of Agronomy of the University of Buenos Aires (FAUBA) offers a natural, effective, and free solution to combat the proliferation of Aedes aegypti, the mosquito that transmits dengue, zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever.
The initiative involves the distribution of native fish that eliminate mosquito larvae, reducing breeding sites in pools, ponds, and stagnant water tanks, without the need for chemical products.
What species is used in the project to combat dengue?
The chosen fish is the Phalloceros caudimaculatus, popularly known as “madrecita de agua”, a native species measuring between 2.5 and 3 centimeters.
Its main characteristics:
- It feeds exclusively on mosquito eggs and larvae, ensuring the complete eradication of Aedes aegypti in the reservoir.
- It adapts easily to the environment, without requiring supplementary feeding. It reproduces naturally.
- It reproduces naturally, ensuring its permanence without human intervention.
According to Alejandro “Koko” López, a professor in the Acuaculture Chair at FAUBA, where these fish are introduced, no larvae survive, making them an effective and ecological tool against the mosquito.
How to access the fish for free
The service is available for:
- Individuals or organizations with bodies of water where larvae can proliferate.
- Natural or artificial reservoirs, such as tanks, ponds, and unused recreational pools.
- Rainwater collection systems, where mosquitoes often reproduce.
Procedure to request the fish
- Send a request by writing to [email protected] or contacting via Instagram.
- Complete a form with questions about the placement site and photos of the location.
- Site evaluation to confirm that it is suitable for fish use.
- Collection of the specimens at the FAUBA headquarters.
- Brief training on their care and maintenance.
Impact of the project on the community
The program has experienced significant growth in recent years:
- In 2024, 5560 fish were delivered in 139 orders, benefiting over 83,000 people.
- In 2025, 50 new deliveries have already been made, consolidating the program’s expansion.
- The Buenos Aires Legislature declared the initiative of Sanitary Interest, recognizing its contribution to public health.
Science and sustainability: an innovative solution
This project is part of a comprehensive strategy of biological control, promoted by FAUBA, which demonstrates how public science can generate sustainable solutions with a direct impact on health and the environment.
The use of native fish as natural larval regulators represents an ecological alternative, which contributes to the reduction of mosquito-borne diseases, avoiding the use of harmful insecticides and strengthening the fight against dengue in a safe manner.
