Which type of fish is an example of biological control in aquatic pest management?

Grass carp are recognized as a significant example of biological control in aquatic pest management due to their unique feeding habits that target specific types of aquatic vegetation, especially invasive species. By consuming large quantities of aquatic plants, grass carp help maintain balance in ecosystems that may otherwise be overrun by invasive plant species, which can disrupt the habitat for native species and lower water quality.

This method of using fish for pest management exemplifies biological control because it employs a natural predator to manage unwanted vegetation, rather than relying on chemical treatments. The introduction of grass carp into certain aquatic environments has been a strategy used to reduce the growth of problematic aquatic plants, thereby aiding in the restoration of the ecosystem’s health and functionality.

In contrast, while tilapia, goldfish, and catfish may play roles in aquatic ecosystems, they are not commonly employed for the specific purpose of biological control in the same way that grass carp are. Each of these other species has different ecological impacts and management uses, but they do not primarily serve the role of controlling aquatic pests through direct consumption of invasive plant species.