Description
Mosquitofish are small, dull grey, with a large abdomen, and have rounded dorsal and caudal fins and an upturned mouth towards the surface. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced; mature females reach a maximum overall length of 7 centimeters (2.8 in), while males reach only 4 centimeters (1.6 in). Sexual dimorphism is also seen in the physiological structures of the body. The anal fins on adult females resemble the dorsal fins, while the anal fins of adult males are pointed. This pointed fin, referred to as a gonopodium, is used to deposit milt inside the female. Adult female mosquitofish can be identified by a gravid spot they possess on the posterior of their abdomen. Other species considered similar to G. affinis include Poecilia latipinna, Poecilia reticulata, and Xiphophorus maculatus; it is commonly misidentified as the eastern mosquitofish.
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