Skip to content
Login
India Biodiversity Portal
India Biodiversity Portal
SpeciesMapsDocuments

Gambusia affinis (Baird & Girard, 1853)

Accepted
Gambusia affinis (Baird & Girard, 1853)
/Gambusia affinis/Gaaff_u0.gif
🗒 Synonyms
synonymFundulus inurus (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882)
synonymGambusia affinis affinis (Baird & Girard, 1853)
synonymGambusia affinis katruelis (Baird & Girard, 1853)
synonymGambusia gracilis Girard, 1859
synonymGambusia humilis Günther, 1866
synonymGambusia patruelis (Baird & Girard, 1853)
synonymHaplochilus melanops Cope, 1870
synonymHeterandria affinis Baird & Girard, 1853
synonymHeterandria patruelis Baird & Girard, 1853
synonymZygonectes brachypterus Cope, 1880
synonymZygonectes gracilis (Girard, 1859)
synonymZygonectes inurus Jordan & Gilbert, 1882
synonymZygonectes patruelis (Baird & Girard, 1853)
🗒 Common Names
English
  • Mosquitofish
Marathi
  • Gambusia
📚 Overview
Overview
Summary
Brief
Freshwater, Brackish
Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2013. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.; http://www.fishbase.org/Country/CountrySpeciesSummary.php?c_code=356&id=3215, version (12/2013).
Attributions Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2013. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.; http://www.fishbase.org/Country/CountrySpeciesSummary.php?c_code=356&id=3215, version (12/2013).
Contributors 
Thomas Vattakaven
Status UNDER_CREATION
Licenses CC_BY_NC
References 
    Diagnostic Keys
    Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7 - 9; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 9 - 10
    Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2013. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.; http://www.fishbase.org/Country/CountrySpeciesSummary.php?c_code=356&id=3215, version (12/2013).
    Attributions Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2013. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.; http://www.fishbase.org/Country/CountrySpeciesSummary.php?c_code=356&id=3215, version (12/2013).
    Contributors 
    Status UNDER_CREATION
    Licenses CC_BY_NC
    References 
    1. Grant, E.M. 1965 Guide to fishes. 1st edition. department of Harbours and Marine, Queensland. 280 p.
    Description
    Origin of dorsal fin opposite 7th anal ray. Length of anal base much less than half distance from caudal. 8 horizontal scale rows between back and abdomen. Ventrals terminate immediately before anal fin. Pelvic fins reach ventrals.
    Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2013. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.; http://www.fishbase.org/Country/CountrySpeciesSummary.php?c_code=356&id=3215, version (12/2013).
    Attributions Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2013. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.; http://www.fishbase.org/Country/CountrySpeciesSummary.php?c_code=356&id=3215, version (12/2013).
    Contributors 
    Status UNDER_CREATION
    Licenses CC_BY_NC
    References 
    1. Grant, E.M. 1965 Guide to fishes. 1st edition. Department of Harbours and Marine, Queensland. 280 p.
    No Data
    📚 Natural History
    Life Cycle
    The species is viviparous . Internal fertilization is possible because the anal fin of the male is modified into a copulatory organ. The females carries about 30 alevins and gestation lasts for a period of 24 days to a month .
    Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2013. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.; http://www.fishbase.org/Country/CountrySpeciesSummary.php?c_code=356&id=3215, version (12/2013).
    Attributions Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2013. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.; http://www.fishbase.org/Country/CountrySpeciesSummary.php?c_code=356&id=3215, version (12/2013).
    Contributors 
    Status UNDER_CREATION
    Licenses CC_BY_NC
    References 
    1. Seale, A. 1917 The mosquito fish, Gambusia affinis (Baird and Girard), in the Philippine Islands. Philipp. J. Sci. 12(3):177-189.
    Migration
    Potamodromous. Migrating within streams, migratory in rivers, e.g. Saliminus, Moxostoma, Labeo. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.
    Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2013. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.; http://www.fishbase.org/Country/CountrySpeciesSummary.php?c_code=356&id=3215, version (12/2013).
    Attributions Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2013. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.; http://www.fishbase.org/Country/CountrySpeciesSummary.php?c_code=356&id=3215, version (12/2013).
    Contributors 
    Status UNDER_CREATION
    Licenses CC_BY_NC
    References 
      Size
      Max Length

      4.2 SL (unsexed) 

      Size

      4.0 cm TL (male/unsexed; ); 7 cm TL (female); max. reported age: 3 years

      Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2013. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.; http://www.fishbase.org/Country/CountrySpeciesSummary.php?c_code=356&id=3215, version (12/2013).
      Attributions Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2013. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.; http://www.fishbase.org/Country/CountrySpeciesSummary.php?c_code=356&id=3215, version (12/2013).
      Contributors 
      Status UNDER_CREATION
      Licenses CC_BY_NC
      References 
      1. Billard, R. 1997 Les poissons d"eau douce des rivieres de France. Identification, inventaire et repartition des 83 especes. Lausanne, Delachaux & Niestle, 192p. Beverton, R.J.H. and S.J. Holt 1959 A review of the lifespans and mortality rates of fish in nature and their relation to growth and other physiological characteristics. p. 142-180. In G.E.W. Wolstenholme and M. O"Connor (eds.) CIBA Foundation colloquia on ageing: the lifespan of animals. volume 5. J & A Churchill Ltd, London.
      Trophic Strategy
      Inhabits standing to slow-flowing water; most common in vegetated ponds and lakes, backwaters and quiet pools of streams . Most abundant in lower reaches of streams . Frequents brackish water. Feeds on insects, zooplankton and detritus. Used as live food for carnivorous aquarium fishes .
      Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2013. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.; http://www.fishbase.org/Country/CountrySpeciesSummary.php?c_code=356&id=3215, version (12/2013).
      Attributions Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2013. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.; http://www.fishbase.org/Country/CountrySpeciesSummary.php?c_code=356&id=3215, version (12/2013).
      Contributors 
      Status UNDER_CREATION
      Licenses CC_BY_NC
      References 
      1. Page, L.M. and B.M. Burr 1991 A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 432 p.
      Diseases
      Rhabdochona Infestation 6. Parasitic infestations (protozoa, worms, etc.) ;
      Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2013. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.; http://www.fishbase.org/Country/CountrySpeciesSummary.php?c_code=356&id=3215, version (12/2013).
      Attributions Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2013. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.; http://www.fishbase.org/Country/CountrySpeciesSummary.php?c_code=356&id=3215, version (12/2013).
      Contributors 
      Status UNDER_CREATION
      Licenses CC_BY_NC
      References 
      1. Moravec, F. 1998 Nematodes of freshwater fishes of the neotropical region. Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic , Praha.
      No Data
      📚 Habitat and Distribution
      General Habitat
      Habitat benthopelagic; potamodromous; freshwater; brackish; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0; dH range: 5 - 19
      Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2013. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.; http://www.fishbase.org/Country/CountrySpeciesSummary.php?c_code=356&id=3215, version (12/2013).
      Attributions Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2013. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.; http://www.fishbase.org/Country/CountrySpeciesSummary.php?c_code=356&id=3215, version (12/2013).
      Contributors 
      Status UNDER_CREATION
      Licenses CC_BY_NC
      References 
        Description
        Remark

        Occurs throughout India

        Occurrence

        introduced 

        Distribution

        North and Central America: Mississippi River basin from central Indiana and Illinois in USA south to Gulf of Mexico and Gulf Slope drainages west to Mexico. One of the species with the widest range of introductions which acquired for itself a near pan-global distribution . Several countries report adverse ecological impact after introduction.

        Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2013. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.; http://www.fishbase.org/Country/CountrySpeciesSummary.php?c_code=356&id=3215, version (12/2013).
        Attributions Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2013. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.; http://www.fishbase.org/Country/CountrySpeciesSummary.php?c_code=356&id=3215, version (12/2013).
        Contributors 
        Status UNDER_CREATION
        Licenses CC_BY_NC
        References 
        1. Page, L.M. and B.M. Burr 1991 A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 432 p.
        No Data
        📚 Occurrence
        No Data
        📚 Demography and Conservation
        Conservation Status
        Not Evaluated IUCN 2006
        Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2013. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.; http://www.fishbase.org/Country/CountrySpeciesSummary.php?c_code=356&id=3215, version (12/2013).
        Attributions Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2013. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.; http://www.fishbase.org/Country/CountrySpeciesSummary.php?c_code=356&id=3215, version (12/2013).
        Contributors 
        Status UNDER_CREATION
        Licenses CC_BY_NC
        References 
        1. 2006 IUCN red list of threatened species. www.iucnredlist.org. Downloaded July 2006.
        No Data
        📚 Uses and Management
        Uses
        fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial
        Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2013. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.; http://www.fishbase.org/Country/CountrySpeciesSummary.php?c_code=356&id=3215, version (12/2013).
        Attributions Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2013. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication.; http://www.fishbase.org/Country/CountrySpeciesSummary.php?c_code=356&id=3215, version (12/2013).
        Contributors 
        Status UNDER_CREATION
        Licenses CC_BY_NC
        References 
        1. Titcomb, M. 1972 Native use of fish in Hawaii. The University Press of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. 175 p. Baensch, H.A. and R. Riehl 1985 Aquarien atlas. Band 2. Mergus, Verlag fur Natur- und Heimtierkunde GmbH, Melle, Germany. 1216 p.
        No Data
        📚 Information Listing
        References
        Overview > Diagnostic > Diagnostic Keys
        1. Grant, E.M. 1965 Guide to fishes. 1st edition. department of Harbours and Marine, Queensland. 280 p.
        Overview > Diagnostic > Description
        1. Grant, E.M. 1965 Guide to fishes. 1st edition. Department of Harbours and Marine, Queensland. 280 p.
        Natural History > Life Cycle
        1. Seale, A. 1917 The mosquito fish, Gambusia affinis (Baird and Girard), in the Philippine Islands. Philipp. J. Sci. 12(3):177-189.
        Natural History > Size
        1. Billard, R. 1997 Les poissons d"eau douce des rivieres de France. Identification, inventaire et repartition des 83 especes. Lausanne, Delachaux & Niestle, 192p. Beverton, R.J.H. and S.J. Holt 1959 A review of the lifespans and mortality rates of fish in nature and their relation to growth and other physiological characteristics. p. 142-180. In G.E.W. Wolstenholme and M. O"Connor (eds.) CIBA Foundation colloquia on ageing: the lifespan of animals. volume 5. J & A Churchill Ltd, London.
        Natural History > Trophic Strategy
        1. Page, L.M. and B.M. Burr 1991 A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 432 p.
        Natural History > Diseases
        1. Moravec, F. 1998 Nematodes of freshwater fishes of the neotropical region. Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic , Praha.
        Habitat and Distribution > Distribution > Description
        1. Page, L.M. and B.M. Burr 1991 A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 432 p.
        Demography and Conservation > Conservation Status
        1. 2006 IUCN red list of threatened species. www.iucnredlist.org. Downloaded July 2006.
        Uses and Management > Uses
        1. Titcomb, M. 1972 Native use of fish in Hawaii. The University Press of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. 175 p. Baensch, H.A. and R. Riehl 1985 Aquarien atlas. Band 2. Mergus, Verlag fur Natur- und Heimtierkunde GmbH, Melle, Germany. 1216 p.

        Freshwater fish fauna of Hiranyakeshi River, the northern Western Ghats, India

        Journal of Threatened Taxa

        A checklist of fishes of Kerala, India

        Journal of Threatened Taxa

        Ichthyofaunal diversity of the Adyar Wetland complex, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, southern India

        Journal of Threatened Taxa

        CEPF Western Ghats Special Series: Rediscovery of the threatened Western Ghats endemic sisorid catfish Glyptothorax poonaensis (Teleostei: Siluriformes: Sisoridae)

        Journal of Threatened Taxa

        Invasive ornamental fish: a potential threat to aquatic biodiversity in peninsular India

        Journal of Threatened Taxa

        Species persistence: a re-look at the freshwater fish fauna of Chennai, India

        Journal of Threatened Taxa

        Final Project Completion Report_with PT Addendum_IUCN

        cepfrit

        Appendix 2 Short notes in MIN Newsletter of the IUCN-SSCWI Freshwater Fish Specialist Group South Asia and the Freshwater Fish Conservation Network of South Asia

        cepfrit
        No Data
        📚 Meta data
        No Data
        🐾 Taxonomy
        RootRoot
        KingdomAnimalia
        PhylumChordata
        ClassActinopterygii
        OrderCyprinodontiformes
        FamilyPoeciliidae
        GenusGambusia
        SpeciesGambusia affinis (Baird & Girard 1853)
        📊 Temporal Distribution
        📷 Related Observations
        👥 Groups
        India Biodiversity PortalIndia Biodiversity Portal
        Vembanad Fish CountVembanad Fish Count
        Powered byBiodiversity Informatics Platform - v4.2.1
        Technology PartnerStrand Life Sciences