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Panuco gambusia (Gambusia panuco) — Poeciliidae

Panuco gambusia

Gambusia panuco
Family: Poeciliidae
DD · Data Deficient

The Panuco gambusia (Gambusia panuco) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
3.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Freshwater of the Río Pánuco basin in Mexico.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The Panuco gambusia is a very small livebearing fish of the family Poeciliidae from the Río Pánuco basin in Mexico. The species reaches only about 3.5 cm and has an elongate little body with an upward-pointing mouth for foraging at the surface. It lives mainly in shallow flowing and standing waters, where in small groups it hunts mosquito larvae and other small invertebrates. Females give birth to live young. The species has a restricted range and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Panuco gambusia?

The Panuco gambusia has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Ovoviviparous; males with a gonopodium; eats midge larvae.

Where does the Panuco gambusia live?

The Panuco gambusia lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Freshwater of the Río Pánuco basin in Mexico.

How big does the Panuco gambusia get?

The Panuco gambusia grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Panuco gambusia dangerous to humans?

No, the Panuco 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 Panuco gambusia edible?

The Panuco gambusia is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Panuco gambusia verified
Scientific name
Gambusia panuco
Family
Poeciliidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Freshwater of the Río Pánuco basin in Mexico. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Midge larvae and small invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Ovoviviparous; reproduction spread over the warm season. inferred
Special features
Ovoviviparous; males with a gonopodium; eats midge larvae. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Gambusia

More from the family Poeciliidae

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