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