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| The maximum size of a Mosquitofish for a male is 3.5
cm and a female 6 cm. |
Mosquitofish are originally from the USA. They were first introduced
in the 1920s as an aquarium fish, and later released into the rivers
and creeks to help with the control of mosquitos. Now they are very widespread
throughout New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and in inland and
coastal areas, but they are not found in Tasmania.
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IN THE PAST
Mosquitofish were absent from Australia before they were introduced
in the 1920s. |
TODAY
The numbers and distribution of
Mosquitofish have increased dramatically since they were first introduced
into Australia. |
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| MOUNTAINS |
PLAINS |
Mosquitofish are found in mountain streams through to rivers
on the plains, and in lakes and dams, wetlands and estuaries.
They can tolerate wide ranges in temperature and salinity.
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| SLOW MOVING WATERS |
AQUATIC PLANT BEDS |
| Mosquitofish are especially common in warm, still or gently-flowing
waters that have abundant aquatic vegetation. |
MATING
Male and female Mosquitofish become adults when they are about
2 cm long. The male deposits sperm on the underside of the female. Eggs
develop inside the female. |
SPAWNING
Mosquitofish reproduce throughout the warmer months of the year,
peaking in October. Around 9 lots of eggs are produced every year. |
EGGS
50-100 eggs are retained inside the female, and are born as larvae
which are a few mm long. |
JUVENILES
Juvenile Mosquitofish
grow rapidly and can become an adult within 2 months. |
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| Mosquitofish eat a wide variety of small land and aquatic invertebrates,
including ants, flies, mosquito larvae,
beetles and beetle larvae. |
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| Mosquitofish swim individually or in loose groups among aquatic vegetation. Most
of their movements are local and the fish do not migrate to spawn. |
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IN THE PAST
Mosquitofish have never been commercially fished. |
TODAY
Mosquitofish are currently not commercially fished. |
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IN THE PAST
Mosquitofish have not been a species of fish that has been
eaten by people. |
TODAY
Mosquitofish are too small to be targeted by fishers. |
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LEGAL SIZES
There are no size limits on Mosquitofish that can be caught.
This applies to all States of Australia. |
CATCH LIMITS
There are no limits on the number of Mosquitofish that can
be caught each day. This applies to all States of Australia. |
CLOSED SEASONS
Mosquitofish can be caught all year round in all States of
Australia. |
BAIT
Mosquito are not targeted by fishers. They are considered harmful
in most States and they cannot be used as bait. |
| Although Mosquitofish are eaten by larger fish, there appear to be no
threats to population of this species. Their numbers and distribution
have increased, and are likely to continue to do so. |
REMEDIES?
Mosquitofish are considered a pest species because they may compete
for the same food and habitat space
as some other native species
of fish such as Rainbowfish. Mosquitofish reproduce at a rapid rate this
may also give them an advantage over small native species of fish. The increase
in slow-moving water habitats caused by the regulation of
the river also favours them. Mosquitofish are, in fact, no better at controlling
mosquitos than other small native fish. They are also thought to be reducing
frog populations by eating newly-hatched tadpoles. |
CONTROL PLANS
There are no plans for controlling or getting rid of Mosquitofish.
They would be difficult to get rid of because they are small, they breed
quickly, there are great numbers of them and they are widely distributed. |
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