common gambusia
The common mosquito fish, scientific name Gambusia affinis, belongs to the Poeciliidae family. Differs in gluttony, not too friendly disposition and nondescript coloring. Nevertheless, this species is considered the best candidate for the role of the first fish of a novice aquarist, because it has incredible endurance and unpretentiousness.
Contents
Habitat
They originate from the territory of Mexico and the southern states of the USA, they are found mainly in wetlands of rivers and lakes with dense vegetation, including in brackish waters near the coast. Currently widely distributed in more than 60 countries around the world. The fish have been introduced to other habitats as a means of biological control of mosquitoes.
Brief information:
- The volume of the aquarium – from 40 liters.
- Temperature – 18-27°C
- Value pH — 6.0–8.0
- Water hardness – soft to high hardness (5-30 dGH)
- Substrate type – any
- Lighting – any
- Brackish water is permissible in a concentration of 5–10 g per 1 liter. water
- Water movement – light or moderate
- The size of the fish is 4–7 cm.
- Meals – any
- Temperament – inhospitable
- Content alone, in pairs or in a group
Description
Adult females reach a length of about 7 cm, males are noticeably smaller and slimmer – only 4 cm. The color is gray with a silvery belly and transparent fins. In males, there is a gonopodia – a transformed anal fin, designed to introduce seminal fluid into the body of the female.
Food
The best type of food for this species are the faces of mosquitoes and bloodworms, as well as small crustaceans (brine shrimp, daphnia). However, the common mosquito fish is happy to accept most popular dry foods of a suitable size.
Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium
One pair of fish is able to live in a nano-aquarium from 10 liters, respectively, a small flock will need a larger tank. The design is arbitrary, it is recommended to combine areas with dense vegetation and open areas for swimming. There are no special conditions and maintenance requirements, therefore it is possible to use it in various types of aquariums, except for marine ones.
Behavior and Compatibility
The active and mobile Common Gambusia is extremely competitive with other species, it will take food from its neighbors and is able to intimidate smaller fish. Only large and peaceful species can tolerate such behavior.
Breeding / breeding
Breeding is very simple. It is enough to place sexually mature males and females in the aquarium, and the offspring will certainly appear. It will be impossible to stop this process if they are not separated into different tanks. Pregnancy lasts about 4 weeks, the brood will consist of 10 to 100 fry, depending on the age and size of the female. If they are not transplanted in time, then the offspring will become a victim of their own parents. Cannibalism is widespread among viviparous species. The female is again capable of conception in just a couple of weeks, so in a year one pair is able to produce several hundred fry.
Fish diseases
Health problems arise only in case of injuries or when kept in unsuitable conditions, which depresses the immune system and, as a result, provokes the occurrence of any disease. In the event of the appearance of the first symptoms, first of all, it is necessary to check the water for the excess of certain indicators or the presence of dangerous concentrations of toxic substances (nitrites, nitrates, ammonium, etc.). If deviations are found, bring all values back to normal and only then proceed with treatment. Read more about symptoms and treatments in the Aquarium Fish Diseases section.
