Mosquito fish - Gambusia affinis

Scientific name: Gambusia affinis

Common name: Mosquito fish

Family: Poeciliidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 3 - 4 cm (1.18 - 1.57 inch)

014

Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 8

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 19°N (71.43 - 339.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 21 - 26 °C (69.8 - 78.8°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Pseudo-Livebearer

Where the species comes from: Central America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Mosquito fish are perfectly happy to eat anything offered. Quality flake should provide the staple diet but they will also nibble at plants.

Origin

Central America; Mosquito fish are native to the Gulf of Mexico.

Sexing

Females will grow up to 2.5 inches in length; males will only grow to 1.5 inches in length. As with most livebearers, the male has a modified anal fin that has taken a pointed appearance.

Breeding

Females will store the sperm for up to 2 months and can produce several batches of fry from this. Keeping them in a planted tank will provide the fry with hiding places, away from predators. In the wild they are prolific breeders.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Gambusia affinis is 2-3 years.

Short description

Mosquito fish have a reputation for overpopulating areas when introduced to them. Never release these fish in the wild as they will take away the food supply from other aquatic dwellers. Gambusia affinis can tolerate a wide range of temperatures; some keepers will even keep them in outdoor ponds.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.