H atvaiian Fis h e s 87 



southward to Argentina. Representatives of the family are also found in 

 Asia and Africa. The famous "four-eyed fish" belongs in this family. 



None of the members of this family are native to the Hawaiian Islands. 

 All of the species found here have been introduced, some of them through 

 the support of a legislative appropriation made in 1905 to hire collectors 

 to transport them from Galveston, Texas. 



At least four species of this family are now found in Hawaiian waters. 



Mosquito Fish or Top Minnow 



48-1 Gambusia affinis (Baird & Girard) 



The mosquito fish are small in size; the males measure 1^4 inches, 

 while the females average about 2Y2 inches. When full grown they may 

 reach a length of 3 or even 4 inches. The males are smaller, more slender, 

 and darker in color than the females. They are of a light olive color 

 with an irridescent luster. The dorsal and caudal fins are marked with 

 irregular rows of black dots. 



The top minnows inhabit swamps, streams, creeks, taro patches, ditches, 

 and the like. They prefer fresh water, although they are often found in 

 brackish areas. They seldom enter salt water. Because of their small size, 

 they are able to penetrate to the sources of streams and are consequently 

 widely distributed. 



The mosquito fishes are active, hardy fishes feeding in schools at the 

 surface or in debris and plants along the banks. They are viviparous and 

 give birth to their young alive. The young at birth are agile and strong 

 and are able to escape dangers. They are a very useful and eflfective fish 

 against mosquitoes because they are very strong and are able to adapt 

 themselves to a variety of conditions. 



The mosquito fish is native to the lowlands of the South Atlantic and 

 Gulf States and from New Jersey and Illinois southward. They are also 

 found in the rivers of Texas and Mexico. 



This fish was introduced into the Hawaiian Islands by Alvin Seale 

 to help in the control of mosquitoes. 



Molly, Mollies, or Sailfin 

 48-2 Mollienesia latipinna Le Sueur 

 The mollies or sailfins measure about one-fourth inch at birth and 

 reach a length of two to four inches. Both sexes are of a light olive- 



