Teleostei (teleosts) >
Cyprinodontiformes (Rivulines, killifishes and live bearers) >
Poeciliidae (Poeciliids) > Poeciliinae
Etymology: Gambusia: Gambusia: From the Cuban term, Gambusino, which means "nothing", usually in the context of a joke or a farce. Fishing for gambusinos = when one catches nothing (Ref. 45335).
More on author: Hubbs.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 6.5 - 7.8; dH range: ? - 20. Tropical; 24°C - 28°C (Ref. 26130)
Central America: Mexico.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ? range ? - ? cm
Max length : 4.5 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 26130); 6.0 cm (female)
Inhabits flowing waters (such as rivers, streams and the adjacent areas), as well as standing waters. Prefers the deeper water of 1 m or more.
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Gestation period is 6 weeks. Female gives birth to 15-30 young. Sexual maturity is reached between third and fourth months.
Lucinda, P.H.F., 2003. Poeciliidae (Livebearers). p. 555-581. In R.E. Reis, S.O. Kullander and C.J. Ferraris, Jr. (eds.) Checklist of the Freshwater Fishes of South and Central America. Porto Alegre: EDIPUCRS, Brazil. (Ref. 50894)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: of no interest
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