New Zealand Freshwater Fish

11004-39014 Western Mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis) large female. Gambusia were released in New Zealand in the 1930s to control mosquitoes, but as with a number of other countries they soon became pests competing with our native fish. Today they are classed as an ‘unwanted organism’ under the Biosecurity Act 1993, and it is unlawful to possess or release this fish. Their high density populations reduce galaxiids in shallow lakes and still-water habitats, and they may also affect mudfish. They also displace native bullies from shallow, marginal waters of lakes in summer months. Auckland *

39014WesternMosquito fishGambusiaaffinisfemale