Fin's Fish Guide
The Domingo gambusia (Gambusia dominicensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 3 cm.
Description
The Dominican gambusia is a small livebearing toothcarp native to Hispaniola, in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Males stay around 2.5 cm, much smaller than the females that reach up to 6 cm. The species has an inconspicuous silver-grey body with an upturned mouth for surface feeding. It lives in fresh and brackish water and eats mainly mosquito larvae and small invertebrates; for that reason it has been introduced elsewhere, such as in Australia, for mosquito control. As a livebearer the female gives birth to live young. Owing to insufficient data the IUCN lists the species as Data Deficient (DD).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Domingo gambusia?
The Domingo gambusia has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Ovoviviparous; eats mosquito larvae; introduced elsewhere for mosquito control
Where does the Domingo gambusia live?
The Domingo gambusia lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Hispaniola
How big does the Domingo gambusia get?
The Domingo gambusia grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.
Is the Domingo gambusia dangerous to humans?
No, the Domingo gambusia is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Domingo gambusia edible?
The Domingo gambusia is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Gambusia
More from the family Poeciliidae
Want the complete picture on the Domingo gambusia?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Domingo gambusia is one of 12,519 species in the app.