The Analysis of Internal Parasites in Mosquitofish Throughout Texas

Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) are a species of small fish commonly found in many different freshwater environments throughout Texas. However, the ecology of these environments varies as each habitat is unique with differing communities. Parasites are often overlooked in these environments and can lend clues to ecological relationships between organisms within the parasite’s life cycle. This study will examine the parasites within the internal organs and eyes of female mosquitofish obtained from three different freshwater lakes throughout Texas and compare the parasitic species found in each location. From the data collected we can learn more about organismal interactions in these environments.