Fin's Fish Guide
The Sleek mosquitofish (Gambusia luma) is a brackish-water fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 4 cm.
Description
The sleek mosquitofish is a small livebearer of the family Poeciliidae from Central America. The species is small; like all Gambusia species the female bears live young and the male has an anal fin modified into a gonopodium for internal fertilisation. It inhabits calm waters but occasionally occurs in deeper water. As an omnivore it eats insects and their larvae, small zooplankton and algae, including mosquito larvae. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sleek mosquitofish?
The Sleek mosquitofish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Ovoviviparous with a gonopodium; eats midge larvae among other things.
Where does the Sleek mosquitofish live?
The Sleek mosquitofish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central America (Belize, Guatemala, Honduras); quiet fresh waters.
How big does the Sleek mosquitofish get?
The Sleek mosquitofish grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.
Is the Sleek mosquitofish dangerous to humans?
No, the Sleek mosquitofish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Sleek mosquitofish edible?
The Sleek mosquitofish 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 Sleek mosquitofish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sleek mosquitofish is one of 12,519 species in the app.