Nine-spined stickleback
D-Zwergstichling, Neunstachliger Stichling; GB-Ninespine stickleback; DK-Nipigget hundestejle; PL-Cierniczek północny; LT-Devynspyglė dyglė; LV-Deviņadatu stagars; EST-Luukarits; RU-Девятииглая колюшка; FIN-Kymmenpiikki; S-Småspigg
Characters
1) 9-11 free spines on the back.
2) Pelvic fins spine-like.
3) Body sides bare or covered only by a few little bony scutes.
●) Colouration very variable.
Usually 4 to 5 cm, max. 7 cm length.
Similar species
Three-spined stickleback - only 3 free spines on the back; distance between end of pectoral fin to origin of dorsal fin much longer than pectoral fin itself (vs. much shorter in three-spined stickleback).
Fifteen-spined stickleback - body elongated; 14 to 17 free dorsal spines; very long caudal peduncle.
Biology
Occurs mainly in freshwater, but migrates rarely along the coasts. As in other sticklebacks the male becomes territorial during spawning season (April-August) and builds a nest of plant rests. In contrast to the Three-spined stickleback who constructs his nest on the ground, the Nine or ten-spined stickleback attaches his nest in between waterplants.Diet
Feeds on zooplankton and small animals.Importance
Of no commercial importance.Endangerment
Not endangered.Pungitius pungitius
