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Mosquitofish

image of mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis

The mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, has been extensively used in mosquito control for many years with mixed results. The information below discusses the limitations associated with the use of mosquitofish along with their distribution and taxonomy. Click here to see a video of mosquitofish eating mosquito larvae.

Mosquitofish Forum: This forum is from the Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 12(2):155-166, 1996 and is a very good discussion of the limitations of using mosquitofish in mosquito control. (5MB in size) PDF

Mosquitofish Distribution: This is page 56 from American Museum Novitates Number 2951 (cover) showing the distribution of mosquitofish in the United States. PDF

 

 

Gambusia affinis versus Gambusia holbrooki

 

 

How to tell the difference?

 

 

Gambusia affinis versus Gambusia holbrooki How to tell the difference

Common Names

Gambusia holbrooki - "eastern mosquitofish"
Gambusia affinis - "western mosquitofish"

Key Taxonomic Feature

One of the key taxonomic feature for separating G. affinis from G. holbrooki is the gonopodia (reproductive structures). The figure to the left was taken from American Museum Novitates Number 2951. Please click on the image below to see the cover of this issue.

American Museum Novitates

 

 

 

 


Leon County Mosquito Control
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