The Guppy Site

Origionally written by Butch

Western Mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis)



Another common livebearers in the local pet store, through not for community aquarium purposes. They are used for feeder fishes, just like feeder guppies and feeder variatus. Sometimes the mosquitofish are mislabeled as feeder guppies in some local pet stores. They look like female guppy but have tear drops on its eyes and the mouth are pointed like duck than cow. The mosquitofish are often found in the feeder fishes such as goldfish, guppies and red rosy minnows. The mosquitofish are also used for mosquito control which is useless as they can displace the natives by eat their eggs and youngsters. The mosquito fish makes excellent pond fish with the koi and the goldfish which are too big for mosquito fish nipping their fins. This is not same species as Heterandria Formosa which are different fish with different personalities.

Temp: 60-90*F
Size: males 1 1/2 inch long females 3 inch long.
Fry size: the average is 50 fry.
Diet: Bloodworm, red flakes and live foods but will take prepared foods.
Tank size: 30gal
p.h: 6.8- 9.5

Other names: Damnusia, Gambusia, Mosquito fish, Skeeters.