Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) fish species and information / pictures of Mosquitofish - Gambusia affinis

Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) fish species information

Scientific Name
Gambusia affinis

Common Name
Mosquitofish

Biology
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-9; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 9 - 10. Origin of dorsal fin opposite 7th anal ray. Length of anal base much less than half distance from caudal. 8 horizontal scale rows between back and abdomen. Ventrals terminate immediately before anal fin. Pelvic fins reach ventrals.

Classification

Classified By

Baird & Girard, 1853

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Live bearers, Killifishes and Rivulines (Cyprinodontiformes)

Family

Poeciliids (Poeciliidae)

Distribution

Region

North and Central America

Distribution

North and Central America: Mississippi River basin from central Indiana and Illinois in USA south to Gulf of Mexico and Gulf Slope drainages west to Mexico. One of the species with the widest range of introductions which acquired for itself a near pan-global distribution (Ref. 1739). Several countries report adverse ecological impact after introduction.

Range

42°N - 26°N

Environment

Climate

Subtropical

Water Temperature From

12 °C

Water Temperature To

29 °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

benthopelagic

Environment

Freshwater; brackish; ; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0; dH range: 5 - 19 benthopelagic; potamodromous

Trophic Level

3.08 s.e. 0.29 Based on diet studies.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

True

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

4.0 cm

Common Length

3.9 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial

Vulnerability

Moderate vulnerability (38 of 100)

Resilience

Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (K=1.20; tmax=3; Fec=10-60)

Threat To Humans

Potential pest

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated