The Mosquitofish

Native and Introduced Range

The native account centers on the Mississippi basin and Gulf-draining waters toward Mexico. Introductions have established populations widely elsewhere. Their role in mosquito control does not mean every introduction is beneficial; impacts on native fishes are documented in introduced settings.

Quiet-Water Feeding

Adults use standing or slow water, especially vegetation-rich ponds, lakes, backwaters and stream pools. Brackish water is also used. Their diet includes zooplankton, insects and detritus, so the common name should not be interpreted as an exclusively mosquito-based diet.

Young and Size

Females bear live young following internal fertilization. The female maximum reference reaches seven centimeters total length, exceeding the 5.1-centimeter male value. Keep sex and life stage with measurements instead of assuming all fish in a surface group grow equally large.

All Lakes With Mosquitofish

Browse lakes and reservoirs with documented Mosquitofish records, listed alphabetically. Records do not establish current abundance or public access. Check the evidence and managing authority for the water you choose.

Showing 1–24 of 38 lakes · Page 1 of 2

• Bardwell Lake Ellis, TX
• Bartholomew Lake Ouachita, LA
• Brushy Lake Tensas, LA
• Bussey Brake Morehouse, LA
• Caddo Lake Caddo, LA
• Cane River Lake Natchitoches, LA
• Chatham Lake Jackson, LA
• Clear Lake Lake, CA
• Crooked Creek Reservoir Evangeline, LA
• Cross Lake Caddo, LA
• Cypress Bayou Reservoir Bossier, LA
• Dubuisson Lake St. Landry, LA
• Fremont Lakes 1 Dodge, NE
• Fremont Lakes 7 Dodge, NE
• Fremont Lakes 9 Dodge, NE
• Ivan Lake Bossier, LA
• John K. Kelly Grand Bayou Reservoir Red River, LA
• Kakahaiʻa Fishpond Maui, HI
• Kaloko Fishpond Hawaii, HI
• Kanahā Pond Maui, HI
• Keālia Pond Maui, HI
• Kepler Creek Lake Bienville, LA
• Lacassine Pool Cameron, LA
• Lake Biggins Newport News (city), VA