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Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the predation ability of Betta fish (Betta splendens) on mosquito larvae based on body size categories: small (Standard Length (SL) < 2 cm), medium (2 cm ≤ SL ≤ 3 cm), and large (SL > 3 cm). A total of 31 Betta fish were used in this study as test subjects, each placed individually in a test container, and the tests were conducted twice. Each fish was provided with 20 mosquito larvae as natural feed, and the number of larvae consumed was recorded. Additional larvae were supplied if the initial batch was entirely consumed. The feeding continued until the Betta fish stopped responding to the larvae, refused to consume, or regurgitated the larvae. Data were analyzed using ANOVA to compare larval consumption among body size categories and linear regression to determine the relationship between the standard length of the fish and the number of larvae consumed. The results showed significant differences in larval consumption among body size categories (F = 174.865; p < 0.05), with the large category recording the highest consumption (average of 30 larvae/fish). A significant positive correlation was found between standard length and larval consumption (r = 0.863; p < 0.05), with the regression equation y = 10.581x – 12.667 and a coefficient of determination of 74.45%. These findings affirm that Betta fish, especially larger individuals, exhibit higher predation effectiveness, making them a potential biological control agent to naturally suppress mosquito larvae populations as an environmentally friendly and effective vector control strategy.