Latin name

Pungitius platygaster

Other name

Ukrainian stickleback, southern nine-spined stickleback, aral stickleback, pontic stickleback.

Identification

The southern ninespine stickleback can be distinguished from its European relatives by the large flaps on its sides.

Features of fish fins

There are eight to eleven barbs in front of the dorsal fin. There is no keel on the caudal peduncle.

Fish colouring

Males acquire red colouration during spawning.

Distribution

It is widespread in the basins of the Black Sea, the Caspian Sea and the Aral Sea. In the Danube basin, its range extends as far as Belgrade. There is also an isolated population in the Vardar and Aliakmon river basins in Greece. The species is also found in Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan, the Sarysu in central Kazakhstan and the upper reaches of the Tobol River in the Ob basin.

Habitat

This benthopelagic fish inhabits temperate kymat and prefers freshwater or brackish water. It settles in areas with high vegetation and in the coastal zones of wetlands.

Size

The southern ninespine stickleback grows to a maximum length of 6.0–7.0 cm.

Behavior

The fish uses its spines when fighting with other fish and when it is in danger. They become territorial during the spawning season. They defend their nests by stabbing their enemies with their spines.

Food and feeding habits

They feed on benthic invertebrates, such as mosquito larvae.

Reproduction

They reach sexual maturity for the first time at the age of one year. During the spawning season, the males build nests made of plants and algae to attract the females, which lay around 90 eggs. The male guards the nest until the cubs leave a few weeks later.

Fishing

This species is not commercially important.

Relationship with a person

Harmless. This is not for food use.