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Diadromous Least Concern 🌡️ Temperate

Smoothtail ninespine stickleback

Pungitius laevis Cuvier, 1829
Max Length
8 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.5
Depth
-
Climate
Temperate
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
15.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
-

📖 Overview

Adults inhabit shallow still water with dense vegetation. Feed predominantly on zooplankton, small crustaceans and benthic insects. Spawn for the first time at 1 year of age. Spawning takes place in April-June . Males build, guard and aerate the nest where the eggs are deposited .

Scientific Name
Pungitius laevis
Authority
Cuvier, 1829
Habitat
Diadromous
Climate
Temperate
Body Shape
Elongated
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
8 cm
Trophic Level
3.5
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
15.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 9. This species is redescribed and is distinguished from congeners by the absence of keel as the only diagnostic character; with lower number of dorsal spines 9 (vs. 10 in P. pungitius); head rounded with a concave snout (specimens longer than 35 mm SL) accentuating the impression of fleshy lips; dorsal spines 8-9; anal soft rays 7-11; scutes on the caudal peduncle 0-4; pectoral-fin rays 10-11. Colouration: body generally bright green with dark tints, covered by blackish blotches, which are absent on the pectoral and abdominal regions .: elongated; Cross section: compressed.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Smoothtail ninespine stickleback is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Smoothtail ninespine stickleback is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

"Males build a nest hanging to aquatic vegetation and take care of eggs and larvae. Eggs hatch in 10-20 days. Dies at end of spawning season" .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; freshwater; brackish; benthopelagic. Temperate

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 💧 Freshwater 🌿 Brackish
Trophic Level
3.5±0.2

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00501 × L3.01 (TL)
Max TL
8cm
Dorsal Spines
9

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2023

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
15.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.5
Predator
Body Shape
Elongated
Climate Zone
Temperate
Described By
Cuvier, 1829

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