Kuultomoskiittokala
Gambusia lemaitrei
Kuultomoskiittokala (Gambusia lemaitrei) is a small freshwater fish species endemic to specific waterways, characterized by its silvery body with distinctive dark markings along its lateral line. This diminutive species plays a crucial role in its aquatic ecosystem as both a predator of mosquito larvae and other small invertebrates, and as prey for larger fish and aquatic birds.
1
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Order
Cyprinodontiformes
Family
Poeciliidae
Genus
Gambusia
Kuultomoskiittokala belongs to the family Poeciliidae, order Cyprinodontiformes, within the unknown class.
Species Profile
Kuultomoskiittokala (Gambusia lemaitrei) is a small freshwater fish species endemic to specific waterways, characterized by its silvery body with distinctive dark markings along its lateral line. This diminutive species plays a crucial role in its aquatic ecosystem as both a predator of mosquito larvae and other small invertebrates, and as prey for larger fish and aquatic birds.
Gambusia lemaitrei is critically endangered due to severe habitat degradation and loss of its limited freshwater spring habitats in Cuba. The species faces ongoing threats from water extraction, pollution, and habitat modification that have drastically reduced available suitable habitat. Introduction of non-native species and climate change impacts on freshwater systems further threaten the remaining populations.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species inhabits shallow, slow-moving freshwater streams and small pools with dense aquatic vegetation and soft substrates. It requires waters with specific temperature ranges and low salinity levels, typically found in spring-fed systems and upper watershed areas with consistent flow patterns.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Gambusia lemaitrei is critically endangered due to severe habitat degradation and loss of its limited freshwater spring habitats in Cuba. The species faces ongoing threats from water extraction, pollution, and habitat modification that have drastically reduced available suitable habitat. Introduction of non-native species and climate change impacts on freshwater systems further threaten the remaining populations.
Habitat loss and degradation
Pollution of freshwater systems
Water extraction and diversion
Climate change impacts on water availability
Introduction of non-native species
Found in 1 Country
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Kuultomoskiittokala (Gambusia lemaitrei). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/kuultomoskiittokala