| Gasterosteidae (Sticklebacks and tubesnouts) |
| 5.7 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
|
benthopelagic; freshwater |
| Asia: Japan. |
|
Dorsal spines (total): 8-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-11; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 7-9. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VIII-IX, 9-11; pectoral-fin rays 10; small unconnected lateral plates 30-32, running from just behind the dorsal end of the gill opening to the caudal peduncle; caudal peduncle with keel; dorsal-fin spine inclining atlernately to left and right of the mid-line; short spines on dorsal, 3.6% SL (2.7-4.9), anal 5.0% SL (4.1-6.0) and pelvic 5.0% SL (4.1-6.0) ; short base of spiny dorsal fin 28.7% SL (26.5-29.8); the first dorsal-fin spine is above slightly behind the pectoral-fin base; anal spine below the first (1st-3rd) dorsal-fin ray; ascending process of the pelvis is relatively developed and extending dorsally tot eh level of the dorsal-most actinost; antero-ventral process of ectocoracoid present, the left and right articulating with each other at the anterior end; membranes of dorsal-fin spines are colored dark brown with many pigments (Ref. 124673). |
| Occurs in small streams and ponds that are refreshed by abiundant cold spring water from the bottom with temperatures ca. 16°C year-round. This fish tends to hide in water grasses and usually remains still, suspended just above the bottom. The adults feed mainly on amphipods (e.g. Jesogammarus jesoensis) that are extremely abundant in the type locality. The larvae, on the other hand, feed on tubificids, while 30-day old juveniles on chrironomids and copepods. Breeding season peaks in May, with courtship behavior occurring at night, but may also be observed in the daytime. Reported observation stated that usually, females spawn at night between 21:00 and dawn (Ref. 124673). |
|
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| harmless |
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