Scientific name: Gambusia affinis Baird & Girard, 1853

Classification: Phylum: Chordata. Class: Pisces. Family: Poeciliidae

Origin: Purposefully introduced in 1905 from south Texas

Status: Common in streams

Distribution: O`ahu

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Gambusia affinis grows to only 56 mm and is the smallest of the introduced live-bearing poeciliids found on O`ahu. This species was first introduced into the Pearl Harbor drainages of Aiea and Pearl City spring areas in 1905 for mosquito control.

Gambusia affinis is found throughout Oahu and is highly carnivorous. When transplanted out of its native range it has been shown to completely transform aquatic ecosystems by devouring aquatic organisms and leading to the decline of many native species. [ full story ]