Nakamura’s ninespine stickleback (Pungitius nakamurai) is a ray-finned fish of the family Gasterosteidae. It inhabits freshwater waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 5.1 cm. With a trophic level of 3.3, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms.
Dorsal spines (total): 7 - 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 12; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 8 - 11; Vertebrae: 31 - 34. This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: dorsal-fin rays IX (VII-IX) + 11 (8-12); anal-fin rays I + 10 (8-11); pectoral-fin rays 10 (8-10); pelvic-fin rays I + 1 (1 or 2); procurrent caudal-fin rays 5 (4-6) + 5 (4-6) = 10 (8-11); lateral plates in an incomplete row (0–2 lateral plates on anterior body, 3-8 plates on caudal peduncle), forming a distinct lateral keel on caudal peduncle; 6 (6 or 7) plates on ventral surface of caudal peduncle; vertebrae 33 (31-34) [14 (13 or 14) abdominal and 19 (17-20) caudal vertebrae]; dorsal-fin spines inclining alternately to sides of mid-line; first dorsal fin spine antero- to postero-dorsal to upper end of pectoral fin base; ascending process of pelvis well-developed, upper end of pelvis reaching to level of fifth pectoral-fin ray base; presence of antero-ventral process of ectocoracoid, right and left ectocoracoids articulating anteriorly with each other; absence of distinct ridge on cleithrum and ectocoracoid; body usually dark yellow; membranes of dorsal-fin spines hyaline or with a few minute black spots; membrane of pelvic-fin spine of adult male white, becoming blue during courtship behavior; and membrane of anal-fin spine of adult male whitish with a distinct white blotch (turning blue during courtship) .: elongated.
Behavioural data for Nakamura’s ninespine stickleback is currently being reviewed.
Diet information for Nakamura’s ninespine stickleback is currently being compiled.
Reproduction data for Nakamura’s ninespine stickleback is currently being compiled.
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Temperate
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