How to Feed Mosquito Larvae to Goldfish

Goldfish are omnivorous fish that eat a wide variety of foods in nature. They are beneficial pets in outdoor water gardens and ponds because they help control mosquito populations around home landscapes by feeding on mosquito larvae. Pet goldfish kept indoors, however, require special care. You must capture and harvest mosquito larvae yourself to feed to the fish. Catching mosquito larvae is an economical way to supplement a regular goldfish diet.

Things You'll Need

  • Large plastic bucket
  • Fine mesh fishnet
  • Small glass container
  • Plastic wrap
  • Rubber band
  • Eye dropper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill up a plastic bucket of water and place it in a shaded location in your landscape. Adult female mosquitoes prefer to deposit their eggs in quiet, undisturbed locations from early spring through fall.

    • 2

      Sift the surface of the water with a fine mesh fishnet, using a swift motion through the water. Mosquito larvae usually float near the surface of the water and wriggle slowly around, but will quickly swim to deeper water using an inch worm-like movement when disturbed. Mosquito larvae may be difficult to see if the bucket is not in direct sunlight.

    • 3

      Inspect the fishnet under sunlight and look for the larvae wriggling around. Mosquito larvae grow to be 1/2 inch long and are easily visible to the unaided eye in small nets.

    • 4

      Rinse the larvae off the net and into a small glass container.

    • 5

      Cover the glass container with plastic wrap and secure the top with a rubber band. Mosquito larvae do not need breathing holes in the plastic.

    • 6

      Store the mosquito larvae in the refrigerator to slow the development process. Mosquito larvae usually take one to four weeks to develop into adult mosquito's, depending on the water temperature.

    • 7

      Siphon up mosquito larvae from the glass jar using an eyedropper and release them into the aquarium whenever you are ready to feed your goldfish.