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Size
1.5 inches (4 cm) -
Diet
Zooplankton, small insects, detritus -
Range
North and Central America -
Habitat
Vegetated ponds, lakes, backwaters, quiet pools
Physical Characteristics
- Mosquitofish are about 1.5 inches (4 cm) in length with a prominent round belly and a relatively large head that is flattened on the upper surface.
- The mouth is small, protrusible, and upturned. The eyes are large relative to the body.
- Coloration is greenish-olive to brown above, gray blue on the sides and silvery-white below.
Diet / Feeding
- Feeds on zooplankton, small insects and detritus.
- It is believed to prey heavily on mosquito larvae, hence its name.
Range / Habitat
- Mosquitofish occur in North and Central America in the Mississippi basin from Illinois south to the Gulf of Mexico, as well as in the Gulf of Mexico drainage from Florida to Mexico.
- Has been introduced very widely throughout the world.
- This species is found in both standing and flowing water habitats and is abundant in the lower reaches of streams.
- Most common in vegetated ponds, lakes, backwaters and quiet pools.
- Mosquitofish will also inhabit brackish water areas of salt marshes.
Reproduction & Growth
- This species is viviparous. The female gives birth to 60 to 300 young after a gestation period of about 24 days.
- The male’s anal fin is elongated and serves to transfer sperm to the female during breeding.
- The female is larger than the male.
Conservation Status
- “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List.
Additional Information
- Mosquitofish have been intentionally and unintentionally introduced throughout the world. Introductions began more than 100 years ago as a means of controlling mosquitoes.
- This species is tolerant of a wide range of temperature and salinity conditions. It is known to enter a period of dormancy in colder months.
