Gambusia holbrooki
Description
Mosquitofish, Gambusia holbrooki, are an introduced fish which is native to North America. They were first introduced into Australian waterways in 1929 as a biological control for mosquitoes. Unfortunately they are now the most widely distributed freshwater fish in Australia, and have caused significant harm to native fish populations. Mosquitofish prey on the eggs and larvae of native fish and frogs, and are known to nip at the fins of other larger fish species.
Mosquitofish are a restricted noxious fish under the Biosecurity Act 2014. This means that it is prohibited to keep, sell or release them into the environment without a permit. If you catch these species, you must immediately humanely kill and dispose of them responsibily away from the waterbody.
Adaptations
- Females give birth to live young
- Omnivores which are able to feed upon a wide variety of food items
- High tolerance to poor water quality, including high temperatures and low oxygen
Interesting facts
A female Mosquitofish is able to reproduce at 4-6 weeks of age, and can produce over 300 young per season.