Bony fish · Cyprinodontiformes · Poeciliidae

Western Mosquitofish

Gambusia affinis

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

The mosquitofish — known in Spanish as gambusia or gambusino — is a small fish of the family Poeciliidae, order Cyprinodontiformes, native to the southern United States, notable for having been introduced worldwide for the biological control of mosquitoes. It is included on the list of 100 of the world's worst invasive alien species drawn up by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Size

up to 7 cm

Lifespan

3 years

Diet

Omnivore

Combines animal and plant food depending on availability.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

FreshwaterOmnivore Fish Freshwater

53countries 3dive sites4same family

Fun facts

It has been released across half the world to control mosquito larvae, which has made it one of the most widespread invasive species on the planet.
It is live-bearing: the female gives birth to fully formed young and can raise several broods a year.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (bony fish)
Habitat & environment: Shallow water, backwaters, ponds and ditches of the Mississippi basin and the Gulf of Mexico drainages; it tolerates brackish water and 12 to 29 °C
Sexual maturity: 3 months
Litter / clutch size: Between 10 and 60 young per litter

Sources consulted: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambusia_affinis