Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis)
Fish in the family Poeciliidae. Easy care. Freshwater.
Quick facts
Scientific nameGambusia affinis
FamilyPoeciliidae
Also known asMosquitofish, Gambusia
Care levelEasy
Reef safetyFreshwater
TemperamentSemi Aggressive
DietOmnivore
Adult size2.8 in
Minimum tank size15 gallons
Water parametersTemp 50-86°F, pH 6.5-8.5, GH 8-30 dGH
Appearance
Plain silvery-grey livebearer with a flattened head and upturned mouth. Females noticeably larger than males. Unremarkable looks but extremely hardy.
Difficulty and care for the Western Mosquitofish
Easy
Origin and habitat
Central and southern United States (introduced worldwide as a pest)
Keeper notes
Notorious fin-nipper and aggressive toward slow or long-finned fish; a globally invasive species. Never release it into the wild.
Log Western Mosquitofish in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Western Mosquitofish alongside everything else in your reef.
