Western Mosquitofish


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For More Information on Western Mosquitofish
(as biocontrol of mosquitos):
LA County Disease Control District
Shasta (CA) Mosquito Control District

Distribution:  
Throughout the U.S.

Origin:  
Southern and Eastern U.S.

Characteristics:  
Small, silvery fish having a terminal, upturned mouth with a protruding lower jaw
 
Impacts:  
Out-compete similar native fish

Management:  
There is nothing being done to control them

Mosquitofish have been stocked in Nebraska, introduced as mosquito control agents.  
     Because of their aggressive and predatory behavior, mosquitofish may negatively affect populations of small fish through predation and competition.  In Nebraska, they appear to be displacing the plains topminnow.  
     Introducing mosquitofish also can precipitate algal blooms when the fish eat the zooplankton grazers, or in an increase in the number of mosquitoes if the fish eat the invertebrate predators.