Pungitius platygaster (Kessler, 1859)
Southern ninespine stickleback
Pungitius platygaster
photo by Artaev, O.

 Family:  Gasterosteidae (Sticklebacks and tubesnouts)
 Max. size:  6 cm SL (male/unsexed)
 Environment:  benthopelagic
 Distribution:  Europe and Asia: Lower courses of rivers draining to northern shore of Black, Caspian and Aral Sea basins, Danube drainage as far upstream as Belgrade; isolated populations in Axios and Aliakmon drainages (Greece); upper Tobol system (Ob drainage), Lake Issyk-kul basin (Kyrgyzstan) and Sarysu drainage (central Kazakhstan).
 Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-11. Distinguished uniquely from its congeners in Europe by having large lateral scutes. Differs further from other members of the genus by the combination of the following characters: side of caudal peduncle without keel; and dorsal fin with 8-11 spines (Ref. 59043).
 Biology:  Occurs in fresh, brackish and marine waters (Ref. 58342). Inhabits swamps and slow-flowing streams with dense vegetation. Feeds on benthic invertebrates. Territorial during spawning season. Males construct a nest and guard the nest until the young swim away a few weeks later. Attain first sexual maturity at 1 year of age (Ref. 59043).
 IUCN Red List Status:   (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  harmless
 Country info:   
 

 Entered by: Torres, Armi G. - 13.05.96
 Modified by: Torres, Armi G. - 01.05.14
 Checked by: Casal, Christine Marie V. - 15.01.03

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