Gasterosteus islandicus Sauvage, 1874

Family:  Gasterosteidae (Sticklebacks and tubesnouts)
Max. size:  5.5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Europe: Iceland. Some populations in Norway and northern Finland with low scute number possibly refer to this species.
Diagnosis:  Distinguished uniquely from congeners in Europe by having a deep notch on the anterior margin of pelvic girdle. Differs further from other members of the genus by having the following combination of characters: trunk with 2-15 scutes; and scutes forming a lateral keel on caudal peduncle or keel absent. Morphological differences are reported in several lakes between individuals occurring in different substrates (mud, lava), especially in Lake Thingvalla (Ref. 59043).
Biology:  Adults inhabit streams and lakes (Ref. 59043). Males build, guard and aerate the nest where the eggs are deposited (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 January 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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