Gambusia nicaraguensis Günther, 1866
Nicaraguan mosquitofish
photo by Sandra J. Raredon / Smithsonian Institution, NMNH, Div. of Fishes

Family:  Poeciliidae (Poeciliids), subfamily: Poeciliinae
Max. size:  3 cm SL (male/unsexed); 4.08 cm SL (female)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish
Distribution:  Central America: Guatemala to Panama.
Diagnosis:  Head and body gray. A triangular black blotch below the eye. Caudal fin with 6 - 7 black spots forming a vertical series in the center of the fin; sometimes there are similar spots on the dorsal fin. Anal fin dusky. Snout pointed. Dorsal fin inserts behind the end of the anal-fin base (Ref. 36880).
Biology:  Collected only on three occasions in the mouth of slow-moving streams, in brackish or fresh waters within a few meters of the sea. Swims in small groups near the surface over sandy or muddy bottoms at temperatures of 25-26°C. Feeds on aquatic insects (Ref. 36880).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 December 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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