We recommend
one fish per four square feet of surface water
(not volume). Because mosquitoes hang out at the surface of the water, the volume of water is of no consequence to how many fish are needed to control them.
How many mosquito fish do I need for my pond?
How many mosquitofish do I need? Normally
6 to 10 fish
are sufficient to stock an average sized pond. The high reproductive potential of the mosquitofish will overcome future problems with mosquito larvae.
Do mosquito fish multiply fast?
They grow rapidly in the summer
and reach a maximum size of 1-1.5 inches in males and 2.5 – 3 inches in females. Gambusia breed throughout the summer and a new brood is produced at 4-6 week intervals. The young fish reach maturity in about 4-5 months.
Where do I find mosquito fish?
Mosquitofish are appropriate for use in
ornamental ponds, water troughs, wine barrels, neglected swimming pools and other man-made water sources with a minimum depth of 18 inches
. Mosquitofish typically do not thrive in heavily shaded locations.
Are mosquito fish good for a pond?
Gambusia affinis can be safely introduced into all irrigation systems, drainage systems, sloughs, ponds, reservoirs, cisterns, shallow wells, watering troughs and seepage areas
-any standing water habitat that holds water year round.
Do mosquito fish need aeration?
The fish will need aeration unless you can set your tank up with a flow-through water supply
. Putting the tank in-ground is a good idea, the water temperature will be more stable. Leave at least 6′′ to 12′′ of free board to help keep small critters from falling in.
What do I feed mosquito fish?
Food. Mosquito fish seldom need supplementary food, but during the winter larvae may be scarce. In this case,
tropical fish flakes are suitable, as well as dry dog or cat food
. Overfed fish may not eat mosquito larvae and excess food may cause bacterial bloom, toxic to the fish.
Can mosquitofish live in tap water?
Mosquitofish cannot survive in water that is treated with chlorine or chloramine
. Following the label, treat tap water with a water conditioner sold at your local pet store. Make sure the water conditioner treats chlorine, chloramines, and ammonia.
Will mosquito fish survive winter?
During the winter, mosquitofish move to the bottom of the water column, become inactive, and do not feed.
In most cases, they will survive the winter
and become active in the spring when temperatures rise. Mosquitofish require little to no care.
Do goldfish eat mosquito fish?
Mosquitofish are compatible with koi and all varieties of pond goldfish
, such as common goldfish, comets, shubunkins, omadas and fantails. Mosquitofish can be kept in a tank with swordtails, platies, and common guppies.
How do you breed mosquito fish?
Breeding mosquitofish is extremely easy for the beginner aquarist, and is as simple as
putting males and females together and feeding them high quality foods
. Females can give birth every 3-4 weeks or so, depending on species, when kept with males.
Will mosquito fish eat tadpoles?
The mosquitofish is being distributed around the world to control mosquitoes–without regard for its effects on other aquatic species. New research shows that
mosquitofish devour tadpoles just as readily as mosquito larvae
and so can decimate native amphibians.
Do Koi eat mosquito fish?
Mosquito Fish are compatible with most ornamental pond fish including Goldfish, Koi, and Carp and will not harm them
. Lake and stream sport sport fish, birds, frogs, and turtles prey upon Mosquito Fish.
Can mosquito fish and guppies breed?
We suspected that
reproductive interference may occur between guppies and mosquitofish
because females of the two fish appear morphologically similar despite their phylogenetic distance (they belong to different genera), and because the two species share visual mate recognition and choice systems (for the guppy, see
17
; …
How can I get a free mosquito fish?
The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District provides FREE mosquitofish to all District residents for placement on their property only
. Please call the District Headquarters at (562) 944-9656 or the Sylmar Branch at (818) 364-9589 to request FREE mosquitofish for your home.
Can you keep mosquito fish in a tank?
While most mosquitofish are kept in ponds to control – you guessed it, mosquitos,
they will also do well in small aquariums
. They can be housed quite easily in a 10 gallon aquarium and will thrive if you provide them with anything larger.
Are mosquito fish and guppies the same?
Guppies and Mosquito fish are both nano species that share similar water parameters and tank conditions
. However, whereas Guppies are sociable community fish, Mosquito fish should be kept in a same-species tank, as they're intolerant of other species.
Do birds eat mosquito fish?
Birds that eat mosquitoes include
purple martins, swallows, ducks, geese and terns
– birds that frequent ponds – and songbirds that migrate.
Are mosquito fish pests?
Mosquitofish are considered a noxious pest, especially in New South Wales and Queensland
, and it is illegal to release them into the wild or transport them live into any of the states or territories.
How many babies do mosquitofish have?
Gestation period is three to four weeks and a female will bear
between 20 to 40 live babies
. A female can produce more than 1,300 baby fish in a single season. Mosquitofish are typically smaller than other freshwater fish — females grow up to 2 1⁄2 inches; males don't get much bigger than 1 1⁄2 inches.
Is my mosquito fish pregnant?
How do I get rid of mosquito fish in my pond?
Can mosquito fish live with bettas?
Registered. Gamubsia are really nasty fish that will almost definately nip at your Betta,
I wouldn't keep them together
.
How much space do mosquito fish need?
For best care, the Mosquito Fish requires a pond of
at least 20 gallons
with moderate water temperature and plenty of plants for hiding. If insufficient natural foods are present, supplement their diet with a quality flake food. You can differentiate the male and females easily.
Can you put mosquito fish in a fountain?
Mosquito fish are used in standing water sources such as unused or unmaintained swimming pools, private ponds, birdbaths, fountains, and water troughs.
Mosquito fish should never be placed in any natural habitat such as lakes, streams, rivers, or creeks
.
