Gambusia affinis
From The Aquarium Wiki
| Western Mosquitofish | |
| |
| Female Western Mosquitofish | |
| Species | Gambusia affinis |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Min. Tank Size | 37.854 liters 37,854.118 mL 10 US Gallons (37.9L) |
| Size | 7.62 cm
1-3 " (2.5-7.6cm) |
| sg | 1 - 1.015 |
| pH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| Temp. | 285.15 K 53.6 °F 513.27 °R 302.15 K |
| Water Hardness |
5-19 |
| Stocking Ratio | 1:2 M:F |
| Availability | Uncommon |
| Diet | |
| Life Span |
3-5 years |
| Habitat | |
Contents |
[edit] Alternative Names
- Mosquito Fish, Western Mosquitofish
[edit] Sexing
- Females tend to be larger than males, but dull in color. Males usually have some color, but are still very dull. Males also have a gonopodium, used in breeding rituals in which the males will 'display' for the females.
[edit] Tank compatibility
- Aggressive fin nippers, are best with hardy sub-tropical fish such as Rosy Reds and White Cloud Mountain Minnows. Very easy to breed. Good plants would be elodea and watersprite.
[edit] Diet
- Good foods would be brine shrimp, bloodworms and daphnia, supplement with flakes. Also will eat plants like elodea.
[edit] Feeding regime
- Mosquito Fish should be fed once a day minimum, three times a day maximum.
[edit] Environment Specifics
- Slightly brackish water can help the fish's health.
[edit] Behaviour
- Females are more aggressive towards males, so male to female ratio should be 1:2. They will nip at other fish, so they should be kept with the same species.
[edit] Identification
- Not a colourful fish, they have translucent fins and pale green/yellow/cream bodies, female Mosquito Fish and female Guppies can look a lot alike.
[edit] Breeding
- A pregnant fish can be identified when their gravid spot (see picture of Female Mosquito Fish above) is dark and/or visible. The fish has a gestation period of 3-4 weeks. This species is a livebearer, so they will give birth to live babies instead of laying eggs. The average spawn produces 20-40 fry. A male is not needed in the tank for fertilization to take place, female fish can store sperm for later use.
[edit] Fry
- As with most fry, they will be vulnerable to other fish and should be moved to a separate fry only tank. The gender of your fry can be determined when the fish reaches an age of approximately 3 months. Feeding Gambusia affinis fry is no different the other species, Brine shrimp are especially nutritious, but they will also accept powdered adult flakes. If you are keeping your fry with your adult fish, the fry should be provided with plenty hiding places such as guppy grass.
[edit] Pictures
 Female |
