Gambusia Affinis (Noun)
Meaning
Silvery topminnow with rows of black spots of tropical North America and West Indies; important in mosquito control.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- Gambusia affinis, a fish native to tropical North America and the West Indies, has become an invasive species in other parts of the world.
- In areas where the Gambusia affinis is native, its larvae are known to consume mosquito larvae, thereby providing some natural mosquito control.
- As part of its ecosystem management plan, the government has encouraged the proliferation of Gambusia affinis to mitigate mosquito-borne diseases.
- However, researchers warn that Gambusia affinis is outcompeting the local native species and having negative ecological effects on freshwater systems.
- Several non-profit organizations in Central America promote Gambusia affinis breeding to naturally suppress the growth of disease-carrying mosquito populations.