Fishes: Gambusia Affinis

Monday, 23 July 2012

Gambusia Affinis

The western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) is a species of freshwater fish, also commonly, if ambiguously, known by its generic name, gambusia or by the common name "gambezi". There's also an eastern mosquitofish (G. holbrooki).Mosquitofish are small in comparison to other fish, with females reaching an overall length of 7 centimeters (2.8 in) and males at a length of 4 centimeters (1.6 in). Females can be distinguished from males by their size and a gravid spot at the posterior of their abdomen. The name "mosquitofish" was given because the diet of this fish predominantly consists of large amounts of mosquito larvae, relative to body size. Several counties in California distribute mosquito fish at no charge to residents with man-made fishponds and pools as part of their Mosquito Abatement programs.Santa Clara County Vector Control District.The fish are made available to residents only and are to be used only on their own property, not introduced into natural habitat.Mosquitofish were introduced directly into ecosystems in many parts of the world as a biocontrol to lower mosquito populations which in turn negatively affected many other species in each distinct bioregion.