Chihuahua mosquitofish
📖 Overview
Chihuahua mosquitofish (Gambusia zarskei), first described by Meyer, Schories & Schartl, 2010 is a tiny fish in the family Poeciliidae (order Cyprinodontiformes). Adults typically reach 2.30 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Subtropical waters. It is broadly omnivorous, taking invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Vulnerable.The species is kept in the aquarium hobby. Care requirements and behaviour align broadly with other Poeciliidae kept in the hobby.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Vertebrae: 30 - 31. Gambusia zarskei is a small sized species of the subgenus Arthrophallus (SL in males usually not exceeding 25 mm and in females 35 mm), which is distinguished from all other species of the senilis species group by the following characters: shafts of distal spines of gonopodium ray 3 much prolonged, lateral projection on elbow weekly developed, vs. well developed in G. amistadensis and G. hurtadoi or absent in G. alvarezi, G. gaigei and G. senilis. G. zarskei is also distinguished by the following unique combination of characters: relative gonopodial ray 4p serra length of gonopodium long; frequency distribution of SEL/SEW radius 1.35 – 1.65, vs. 0.95 – 1.25 in G. alvarezi, 1.55 – 1.90 in G. amistadensis, 1.00 – 1.35 in G. gaigei and 0.75 – 1.05 in G. hurtadoi; elbow on gonopodium ray 4a simple and not rounded or distally hooked, vs. usually hooked in G. alvarezi, G. gaigei, G. senilis; 8 dorsal fi n rays, vs. usually 9 in G. alvarezi and G. hurtadoi; black anal spot present vs. absent in G. senilis.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Chihuahua mosquitofish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; pelagic; pH range: 7.9 - ?. Subtropical; 24°C - 26°C ; 29°N - 28°N, 105°W - 106°W North America: Mexico.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Chihuahua mosquitofish.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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