Gambusia affinis

Photo courtesy of Kjell Nilsson.

Meaning of Name

affinis meaning related.
First Description  
Size

Male 38 mm. Female 62 mm.
Meristics

 
Karyotype

 
Sub-Genus

 
Group

 
Synonyms
  • Gambusia holbrooki affinis
  • Gambusia affinis holbrookii (Girard)

Populations

  
Type Locality

 
Distribution

 
Habitat

Innes reports Gambusia nobilis to be sympatric in streams of southern & western Texas.
Distinguishing Characteristics Males are small compared to the larger female. Generally the female is plain with a large gravid spot but black spotted or marbled forms have been seen.
Colour/Pattern Variability  
History

Innes in Exotic Aquarium Fishes refers to this sp. as the first livebearer available in the hobby in the USA. At this time fish were on sale at $2 per pair. Aquarists are reported to have put these with fancy goldfish whereupon they shredded their fins.
This sp. has been widely transplanted to feed off mosquito larvae in the fight against Malaria. This sp. was used in the building of the Panama Canal to protect workers from Malaria carrying mosquito's.
Breeding Notes

Innes reports a breeding temperature of 75°F. He also reports a tendency for the parents to eat their young.
Diameter of Egg  
Remarks

A remarkably resilient sp. which can withstand bad water conditions & temperatures from 40 - 100°F.