Fin's Fish Guide
The Stripped gambusia (Gambusia sexradiata) is a brackish-water fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 3 cm.
Description
Gambusia sexradiata is a very small livebearing freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae from Central America. The species reaches only a few centimetres and has a stocky, streamlined body with a conspicuous teardrop mark below the eye. It lives near the shore of ponds and rivers with vegetation and feeds mainly on benthic invertebrates among water plants and on terrestrial organisms that fall onto the water. Like other mosquitofish the species reproduces by internal fertilisation and bears live young; the male has an anal fin modified into a copulatory organ (gonopodium).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Stripped gambusia?
The Stripped gambusia has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Teardrop-shaped small blotch below the eye; ovoviviparous, with a gonopodium in the male.
Where does the Stripped gambusia live?
The Stripped gambusia lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Freshwater and brackish water of Central America.
How big does the Stripped gambusia get?
The Stripped gambusia grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.
Is the Stripped gambusia dangerous to humans?
No, the Stripped 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 Stripped gambusia edible?
The Stripped gambusia is not usually eaten.
More photos
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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 Stripped gambusia?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Stripped gambusia is one of 12,519 species in the app.