mosquitofish

[ muh-skee-toh-fish ]

noun

, plural (especially collectively) mos·qui·to·fish, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) mos·qui·to·fish·es.

1. any of several fishes that feed on mosquito larvae, as Gambusia affinis, found in the southeastern U.S., now introduced into other parts of the world for mosquito control.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mosquitofish¹

First recorded in 1925–30; mosquito + fish

Example Sentences

McNeish, who has examined the fish carcasses since late August, has identified non-native species including bass, sunfish, bullhead catfish and mosquitofish.

From Los Angeles Times

Everywhere the mosquitofish has been introduced, the topminnow has disappeared.

From Seattle Times

The mosquitofish is not a fussy creature: It can live in filthy bodies of water and has an undiscerning appetite.

From New York Times

Other fish, such as the banded killifish and the mosquitofish, have expanded their range in the Potomac, also probably an indicator of climate change.

From Washington Post

Ryan Amick and his colleagues at the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District are fighting the explosion of mosquitoes in Los Angeles this summer with mosquitofish.

From Los Angeles Times