eastern mosquitofish

Scientific name Gambusia holbrooki
Descriptor Girard
Year of description 1859
IUCN category LC
Family Poeciliidae
Genus Gambusia
Gambusia holbrooki Gambusia holbrooki

Introduction

Gambusia holbrooki, commonly known as eastern mosquitofish, is a fresh water fish from the North America.

Who is it?

Morphology

  • Type
  • Average size
    4 cm
  • Maximum size
    8 cm
  • Longevity
    5 year
  • Type
  • Average size
    4 cm
  • Maximum size
    8 cm
  • Longevity
    5 year

How to recognize the eastern mosquitofish ?

The eastern mosquitofish measures around 4 cm. The females are more imposing and some specimens can reach 8 cm.

Sexual dimorphism

The female is bigger than the male.

The females have a more rounded abdomen than the males, they are generally stockier. This characteristic is exacerbated in the period of reproduction.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    omnivorous with carnivorous tendency
  • Sociability
    living in small groups
  • territorial
    No
  • Way of living
    diurnal

The eastern mosquitofish is a fish living in small groups naturally found mid-depth and near surface. This species is omnivorous with carnivorous tendency .

n general, this species does not care much about other animals crossing its path.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    vivipare
  • Polygamy
    Yes

The eastern mosquitofish is a fish vivipare. In this species, the dominant males are polygamous and reproduce each season with several females.

Harmless species

This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.

Where to find it?

Where to see this species?

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    15 - 35 °C
  • pH (acidity)
    6 - 9
  • gh (hardness)
    5 - 25
  • Flow
    Slow

Biotope presentation

This animal evolves in areas characterized by a strong presence of vegetation (aquatic and marsh plants, decaying organic matter, roots...).

Species of the same biotope

Fishkeeping

Not recommended

We do not recommend keeping this species in an aquarium. It has unpredictable needs which, if not met, generate significant stress, potentially leading to a shorter life expectancy, an interruption of its growth or the development of pathogens.

To go further

Species of the same family

To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Benoit Chartrer

Benoit Chartrer

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

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Where to see this species?

Species of the same family

Species of the same biotope

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