Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis)

From The Aquarium Wiki

Contents 1 Alternative Names 1.1 Synonyms 2 Origin 3 Sexing 4 Breeding 5 Tank compatibility 6 Diet 7 Feeding regime 8 Environment Specifics 9 Behaviour 10 Identification 11 Pictures 12 External links

Alternative Names

Mosquito Fish, Western Mosquitofish

Synonyms

Heterandria affinis, Gambusia affinis affinis, Gambusia gracilis

Origin

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

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

See our article on Breeding Gambusia affinis.

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.

Diet

Good foods would be brine shrimp, bloodworms and daphnia, supplemented with flakes. Also will eat some plants.

Feeding regime

Mosquito Fish should be fed twice a day maximum, once every other day minimum

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.

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.

Identification

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

Female

External links

• Fishbase (Mirrors: )

• Seriously Fish