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💧 Freshwater 🌡️ Temperate

Nakamura’s ninespine stickleback

Pungitius nakamurai Matsumoto & Matsuura, 2026
Max Length
5.1 cm
Max Weight
Lifespan
Trophic Level
3.3
Depth
Climate
Temperate
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
10.00/100
Typical Length
Depth Zone

📖 Overview

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.

Scientific Name
Pungitius nakamurai
Authority
Matsumoto & Matsuura, 2026
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Temperate
Body Shape
Elongated
Max Length
5.1 cm
Trophic Level
3.3
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
10.00/100
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

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.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Nakamura’s ninespine stickleback is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Nakamura’s ninespine stickleback is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Nakamura’s ninespine stickleback is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic. Temperate

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Trophic Level
3.3±0.2

📐 Morphometrics

Max TL
5.1cm
Dorsal Spines
8
Dorsal Rays
10
Anal Spines
1
Anal Rays
10
Vertebrae
33

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
10.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.3
Predator
Body Shape
Elongated
Climate Zone
Temperate
Described By
Matsumoto & Matsuura, 2026

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