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 .
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.
Behavioural data for Smoothtail ninespine stickleback is currently being reviewed.
Diet information for Smoothtail ninespine stickleback is currently being compiled.
"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" .
Marine; freshwater; brackish; benthopelagic. Temperate
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