The Ninespine Stickleback – Pungitius pungitius is a small, freshwater fish species commonly found in various habitats across the Northern Hemisphere.
Description & Characteristics
The Ninespine Stickleback – Pungitius pungitius, is easily recognizable by its distinctive spiny dorsal fin, which features nine spines. These spines can be raised and locked in place to deter predators. They typically reach a maximum size of 9.0 cm. The species exhibits a slender, elongated body with a slightly compressed shape, making it well-suited for navigating through aquatic vegetation.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Ninespine Stickleback – Pungitius pungitius inhabits a diverse range of freshwater habitats, including lakes, ponds, streams, and slow-moving rivers. They are often found in shallow, vegetated areas, where they can find shelter and food. These fish exhibit a tolerance for a variety of water conditions and are found in both cold and warm waters. The Ninespine Stickleback – Pungitius pungitius can be found in depths ranging from 0.0 to 110.0 meters. This species prefers to dwell in freshwater habitats, particularly in inland waters. While it is primarily a freshwater fish, it can also be found in brackish waters and coastal areas.
Taxonomy
The species Pungitius pungitius belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Gasterosteidae. These fish are classified under the ray-finned fishes, a diverse group with over 30,000 species. The Perciformes are a large order of fish, encompassing a diverse range of shapes, sizes, and habitats. The Gasterosteidae family includes various sticklebacks, which are characterized by their spiny dorsal fins and distinctive body shapes.
Feeding
The Ninespine Stickleback – Pungitius pungitius is an opportunistic feeder, consuming a wide range of invertebrates. Their diet primarily consists of insects, such as mosquito larvae and midges, as well as other invertebrates like crustaceans. They are known to feed on lobster eggs and oyster eggs, demonstrating their ability to adapt to various food sources.
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