One of the freshwater fish The most fascinating things we can have in our aquarium are the Gambusia This small silver fish, also known as the mosquito fish, is highly valued for both its simple, elegant appearance and its ability to control mosquito pests due to its diet. However, there is much more to learn about this species for those wishing to incorporate it into their home aquarium or pond.
Physical Aspects and Sexual Differences
The Gambusia is a fish with an elongated and slender body that can measure between 3 and 7,5 cm, depending on its genus. female is approximately larger, reaching 7,5 cm, while the macho rarely exceeds 4 cm. In addition to size, females have one of their rear fins much longer and rounded, while males have pointed and long ones. Another distinctive feature in males is the presence of a gonopodium , reproductive organ used to fertilize the female.
One of the most interesting peculiarities of Gambusia is its ability to change color slightly depending on the environment in which it is found. If the aquarium contains a lot of vegetation, this fish can adapt, camouflaging its tones to better integrate with the environment.
Distribution and Natural Habitat
The mosquito fish is native to United States , where it lives in rivers and streams of sweet water Over time, it has been introduced to many parts of the world due to its ability to control mosquito pests in stagnant bodies of water. Thanks to its incredible resistance, it can adapt to extreme conditions, withstanding cold temperatures close to 0°C up to reaching maximums of more than 35°C.
Also, although it prefers fresh water, it can survive in brackish waters , which has made it an invasive species in many regions. For example, in Australia and some European countries, where it was introduced as a pest controller, it has caused ecological problems by competing with native species.
behavior and character
El gambusia This is an active and competitive fish. Although it is not extremely aggressive, its behavior can become annoying to other species in the aquarium due to its constant activity and voracity. In community environments, it is common to see it competing for food and even nibbling on the fins of its tank mates, especially if they are calmer in nature or have long fins.
It is advisable to keep a small group, preferably in a ratio of one male to 3-5 females, as territorial disputes may arise in larger groups of males. If aggressive behaviour is observed, it is advisable to provide hiding places or densely planted areas in the aquarium to reduce stress.
Reproduction of Gambusia
Gambusia is a fish viviparous , meaning that the female gives birth to live young, rather than laying eggs like most fish. Mating occurs when the male inserts his gonopodium into the female, and after a gestation period of about 28 days, the female gives birth between 15 and 30 fry .
Once they are born, it is important to take precautions to prevent the mother, or other fish in the aquarium, from eating the newborns. A well-planted aquarium, with hidden areas, is essential for the fry to be able to hide and survive during their first weeks of life.
Aquarium Care and Conditions
Caring for gambusia in an aquarium is quite simple, as they are extremely hardy fish. They require an aquarium of at least 60 liters if you want to keep a small population. They prefer waters with a slightly alkaline pH, between 7,5 and 8, and enjoy an environment with floating plants, such as Riccia fluitans , which provide them with natural shelters.
Although they can tolerate temperatures up to 12°C, the ideal temperature for these fish ranges between 22 ° C and 28 ° C The use of heaters in home aquariums is not mandatory, but good lighting will help the growth of aquatic vegetation, creating a healthier environment for the fish.
Aeration and Filtration: Although Gambusia can tolerate low levels of oxygen in the water, it is advisable to use a proper filtration system and, if possible, an aeration system to ensure optimal levels of water quality. It is best to opt for soft internal filters so as not to harm the fry should they breed.
Gambusia Fish Feeding
Gambusia is a fish omnivore, but their preferred diet in the wild consists of insect larvae –especially mosquitoes–, although it also feeds on algae and other small aquatic organisms. This characteristic has made it a widely used species for natural pest control in stagnant bodies of water.
In aquariums, it will accept commercial flake or granular foods without problems, but it is advisable to supplement its diet with live or frozen foodsas the daphnia, brine shrimp or tubifexIt is also possible to add cooked vegetables, such as spinach or peas, to provide them with a balanced diet.
Compatibility with Other Fish
Although their calm appearance may lead one to believe otherwise, Gambusia can be a challenge in community aquariums. They are known for their territorial behavior and their tendency to bite fins de peces smaller or slow moving species such as guppies or goldfish. Ideal companions for Gambusia are species of similar size and active character, such as cardinals o fire spikes.
If you decide to keep multiple Gambusia in the same aquarium, it is important not to overpopulate the tank. A ratio of 1 adult fish per 3 liters is adequate to avoid conflicts and ensure that the fish have enough space to swim.
Health and Common Diseases
The Gambusia is a hardy fish, but it is not exempt from diseases. Some of the most common problems that can plague this species include:
- White Point: This disease is common in aquariums with temperatures above 20°C. To prevent it, make sure to maintain proper aquarium cleanliness and a stable temperature.
- Fish tuberculosis: Although rare, this disease is fatal and highly contagious. It is important to avoid overcrowding in the aquarium.
While these diseases can affect Gambusia, the key to maintaining a healthy population is to provide them with a clean environment, with correct pH levels, adequate temperature and a balanced diet.
The Gambusia is a fascinating fish, not only for its adaptability, but also for its usefulness in pest control. By integrating it into an aquarium, it will provide an excellent opportunity to learn about viviparous species and enjoy the evolution of an active and dynamic aquatic community.