Gambusia fish released into wells in Coimbatore to check mosquito breeding

The Coimbatore Corporation has stepped up its efforts to control dengue and malaria by releasing Gambusia fish into water bodies identified as potential mosquito-breeding sites.More than 20 wells and other water bodies in 20 wards of the West Zone were covered on Tuesday as part of the exercise. The sites were identified through fever surveillance and inspections by health officials and Domestic Breeding Checkers (DBC).The Corporation plans to release about 10,000 Gambusia fish into water bodies across the city. The fish feed on mosquito larvae, with an adult capable of consuming between 100 and 300 larvae. Two male and eight female fish will be released in each well, officials said.The fish are being bred in tanks maintained at the District Health Office and the Urban Primary Health Centre at Kalveerampalayam. Each fish has a lifespan of about a year.The Corporation has cautioned residents against using bleaching powder, oil or other substances that could kill the fish in wells where they have been released.Fever surveillance camps are being conducted at an average of 33 locations every day. If fever or an infectious disease is detected, intensified vector-control measures are taken in the affected locality, officials said.The drive is being carried out under the direction of Corporation Commissioner Katta Ravi Teja and the supervision of City Health Officer Subash Gandhi. Published - September 02, 2026 07:10 pm IST