Photo 44605896, (c) odocoileus, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by odocoileus

Attribution © odocoileus
some rights reserved
Uploaded by odocoileus odocoileus
Source iNaturalist
Associated observations

Photos / Sounds

What

Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis)

Observer

odocoileus

Date

July 2019

Description

Gambusia affinis, an invasive species in California.

Unfortunately, the county distributes them to anyone who asks to release on their property.

They eat almost everything, including native invertebrates, fish, amphibians, and their eggs and young.
They can consume prey much larger than themselves, such as tree frogs by attacking in shoals and tearing off small chunks.

I noticed an increase in amphibian life after the fish were extirpated from a nearby pond.

I will be experimenting with Pimephales promelas as a means of mosquito control.

Last image: trap and bait used

Sizes