Fin's Fish Guide
The Eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 5 cm.
Originally in fresh and brackish water of the southeast of the United States.
Description
The eastern mosquitofish is a small, hardy livebearer of the family Poeciliidae reaching about 5 cm. There is a clear difference between the sexes: females are stout and greyish, males small with an anal fin modified into a mating organ (gonopodium). The species is native to the south-eastern United States but has been introduced worldwide to control mosquito larvae and become invasive, including in southern Europe. It tolerates warm, oxygen-poor and slightly brackish water very well. As an omnivore it eats mosquito larvae, zooplankton, insects and algae. Because it bears live young and breeds rapidly, it can strongly displace native fish and amphibians.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Eastern mosquitofish?
The Eastern mosquitofish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Small, hardy ovoviviparous fish; females are sturdy, males small with an anal fin transformed into a copulatory organ. Eats many midge larvae.
Where does the Eastern mosquitofish live?
The Eastern mosquitofish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Originally in fresh and brackish water of the southeast of the United States.
How big does the Eastern mosquitofish get?
The Eastern mosquitofish grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.
Is the Eastern mosquitofish dangerous to humans?
No, the Eastern mosquitofish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Eastern mosquitofish edible?
The Eastern mosquitofish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Gambusia
More from the family Poeciliidae
Want the complete picture on the Eastern mosquitofish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Eastern mosquitofish is one of 12,519 species in the app.