Growth
After birth, newborn mosquitofish are about 8 millimeters (0.31 in) to 9 millimeters (0.35 in) in length. As juveniles, they grow at a rate of about 0.2 millimeters (0.0079 in) per day. Growth rates of juvenile mosquitofish reach their peak when the water temperature is within a range of 24 °C (75 °F) to 30 °C (86 °F). As temperatures rise above or dip below this range, growth rates decrease. Temperatures at or above 35 °C (95 °F) are typically lethal, while growth stops when temperatures are at or below 10 °C (50 °F). For male mosquitofish, sexual maturity is reached in about 43 to 62 days. Female mosquitofish reach sexual maturity in about 21 to 28 days if born early within the reproductive season. The lifespan of a mosquitofish averages less than a year and the maximum is about 1.5 years. However, mosquitofish kept as pets can live much longer, with owners reporting lifespans of over three years. Male mosquitofish lifespans are considerably shorter than the hardier females.
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