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Gambusia affinis
From The Aquarium Wiki
| Western Mosquitofish | |
| |
| Female Western Mosquitofish | |
| Species | Gambusia affinis |
| Family | Poeciliidae |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Min. Tank Size | 37.854 liters 37,854.118 mL 10 US Gallons (37.9L) |
| Size | 5.08 cm
1-2 " (2.5-5.1cm) |
| sg | 1 - 1.015 |
| pH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| Temp. | 285.15 K 53.6 °F 513.27 °R 302.15 K |
| Water Hardness |
5-19 °d |
| Stocking Ratio | 1:2 M:F |
| Availability | Uncommon |
| Diet | |
| Life Span |
3-5 years |
| Habitat | |
Contents |
[edit] Alternative Names
- Mosquito Fish, Western Mosquitofish
[edit] Sexing
- 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.
[edit] Breeding
- See our article on Breeding Gambusia affinis.
[edit] Tank compatibility
- 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.
[edit] Diet
- Good foods would be brine shrimp, bloodworms and daphnia, supplemented with flakes. Also will eat some plants.
[edit] Feeding regime
- Mosquito Fish should be fed twice a day maximum, once every other day minimum
[edit] Environment Specifics
- 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.
[edit] Behaviour
- 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.
[edit] Identification
- Not a colourful fish, they have translucent fins and pale green/yellow/cream bodies, female Mosquito Fish and female Guppies look a lot alike.
[edit] Pictures
 Female |
