It can stand all types of foul water conditions, poor food, and overcrowding. It is pretty and has an interesting history. This mosquitofish does wonders on mosquito larvae, eating its own weight of them per day. This fish has been sent to many parts of the tropical world for use in mosquito extermination. Mature females measure tow to two and a half inches long, and males from one to one and a half inches.
Females can reach maturity in six to eight weeks.
Under favorable conditions, mosquito fish live tow to three years. There occur in nature several black sports of this species. He is black dotted. This is not a different species but is classified as a melanistic variety. Inbreeding has produced females with these same spots, which are considered by hobbyists more desirable than normal ones.