What is swimming in my bird fountain?

Pearisburg, VA(Zone 7a)

Looks like tiny tad poles but the fountain is about 3 ft off the ground. The fountain holds about 8 gals of water, has rock to provide different depth levels and has a water pump to keep the water moving. I just put some tiny gold fish in there to eat the algae and when I did I noticed these wiggling things - are they dragonflies or ? They seem a bit 'fuzzy' too.

How do I get rid of them - not sure if the goldfish will eat them or not.

Thumbnail by shihtzumom
Celaya, Mexico(Zone 10a)

Black Mosquito larvae (stinging mosquito). Empty out often and refill with clean water to avoid breeding mossies.
Edited for stating:
or add some Guppies, they love to eat those.

This message was edited Jun 8, 2004 11:36 AM

Newark, OH(Zone 5b)

Definitely skeeters! We called them wrigglers when I was a kid. The goldfish will adore them.

Pearisburg, VA(Zone 7a)

so goldfish and guppies will eat them ? I got the goldfish to eat the algae before seeing the Mosquitos.

I also thought they would not breed in moving waters.

Crossville, TN(Zone 7a)

Skeeters will breed in any freshwater source! LOL. They are like buggy rabbits. Fish love the larva. Guppies especially!

Brookeville, MD(Zone 7a)

I've even seen companies selling the larvae as fish food.

Celaya, Mexico(Zone 10a)

Yes it is an excellent food for freshwater aquarium fish and there several fish species which will only lay eggs if fed with black mosquito larvae.

Pearisburg, VA(Zone 7a)

I checked the fountain last night and saw NO larvae. I have chiclids in a 55 gal tank and they would probably love the larvae if it happens again. Looks like the goldfish did the trick.

Thanks for such great info.

Newark, OH(Zone 5b)

I fed our inside goldfish bugs attracted to the porch lights. They loved the live food - a challenge, LOL!

Pearisburg, VA(Zone 7a)

another good idea. thanks gardenwife.

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
BACK TO TOP