Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis)
From The Aquarium Wiki
Western Mosquitofish
Female Western Mosquitofish
Gambusia affinis
38 Litres (10 US G.)
2.5-5.1cm (1-2 ")
6.0 - 8.0
12 -29 °C (53.6-84.2°F)
5-19 °d
1:2 M:F
3-5 years
Family
Poeciliidae
This animal is available captive bred
Contents
Additional names
- Mosquito Fish, Western Mosquitofish
Additional scientific names
- Heterandria affinis, Gambusia affinis affinis, Gambusia gracilis
Origin[edit]
- Found across North and Central America, primarily in the Mississippi River basin from central Indiana and Illinois in USA south to Gulf of Mexico and Gulf Slope drainages west to Mexico. Has also been introduced elsewhere, with some damage to native species.
Sexing[edit]
- Females are larger than males, and dull in colour. Males have some colour, which distinguishes them from females. Males also have a gonopodium, used in breeding rituals in which the males will 'display' for the females.
Breeding[edit]
- See our article on Breeding Gambusia affinis.
Tank compatibility[edit]
- Aggressive fin nippers, are best with hardy sub-tropical fish such as Rosy Reds and White Cloud Mountain Minnows. Very easy to breed and will multiply in an aquarium. Like Guppies, keep in a ratio of one male per two-three females.
Diet[edit]
- Good foods would be brine shrimp, bloodworms and daphnia, supplemented with flakes. Also will eat some plants.
Feeding regime[edit]
- Mosquito Fish should be fed twice a day maximum, once every other day minimum.
Environment specifics[edit]
- Slightly brackish water can help the fish's health. The tank should be spacious with hiding places in planting (plants including Java Fern will tolerate a brackish environment and are unlikely to be eaten), rocks and bogwood.
Behaviour[edit]
- Females are more aggressive towards males, so male to female ratio should be 1:3. They will nip at other fish, so they should be kept with the same species.
Identification[edit]
- Not a colourful fish, they have translucent fins with faint dark speckling and pale green/yellow/cream bodies, female Mosquito Fish and female Guppies look a lot alike. Males have blue iridescence on their flanks.
Pictures[edit]
Female
External links[edit]
- Fishbase (Mirrors: Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination)
