Greek nine-spined stickleback

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Greek nine-spined stickleback
Systematics
Order : Perch-like (Perciformes)
Subordination : Cottoidei
Partial order : Sticklebacks (Gasterosteales)
Family : Sticklebacks (Gasterosteidae)
Genre : Pungitius
Type : Greek nine-spined stickleback
Scientific name
Pungitius hellenicus
Stephanidis , 1971

The Greek nine-spined stickleback ( Pungitius hellenicus ) is a species of stickleback endemic to Greece . Compared to other sticklebacks, it is distinguished by its remarkable reduction in appearance.

distribution and habitat

This stickleback species occurs only in a narrowly limited area in the catchment area of ​​the Sperchios , with populations now only in three places: In the karst waters near Agia Paraskevi and associated drainage channels, in spring streams and irrigation and drainage channels in the vicinity of Moschochori and in some spring streams near the village of Kombotades . While the Greek nine-spined stickleback can still be found relatively frequently near Moschohori, the other two occurrences are significantly smaller. The stocks at the locus typicus, where the type specimens were found, a stream in Kombotades, were wiped out when it was destroyed.

The typical habitat are clear streams and small rivers with sandy and stony bottoms and relatively low water temperatures of no more than 20 ° C in summer. The species also needs protection from dense vegetation.

features

Although the common name suggests otherwise, the Greek nine-spined stickleback usually only has two to six dorsal spines. The pelvic fins are completely absent, as are the ventral spines common in other sticklebacks. The contiguous abdominal plate that is otherwise typical for representatives of the genus Pungitius is greatly reduced. There is no signage on the sides.

The body, which is a maximum of 50 millimeters long, is slim, the head appears relatively large in comparison. The pale olive green color is interrupted on the sides by dark stripes or spots.

Number of fin rays :

  • Dorsal 1 I-VI
  • Dorsal 2 8-10
  • Anal I / 8-10
  • Pectorals 9-11
  • Caudals 11-12

Way of life

The Greek nine-spined stickleback lives withdrawn and spends most of the day hidden in dense underwater vegetation. He rarely visits open water areas. Its food spectrum includes invertebrates, their eggs and larval stages as well as fry.

After the spawning period in May and June, the male practices intensive brood care, as with all stickleback species, until the offspring have reached a size of around five to six millimeters. With a length of ten to eleven millimeters, the young animals resemble the adult specimens in color and shape. With a maximum life expectancy of 18 months, a Greek nine-spined stickleback will only experience one breeding season.

Threat and protection

The species is adapted to small and unstable water systems due to its small size and high reproduction rate. However, it is also limited to a very small distribution area and is exposed there to ongoing pressures from water abstraction, environmental pollution and habitat destruction, such as the filling of small bodies of water to gain useful land. As a result, the population is highly fragmented and prone to random disorders such as genetic defects or drought. The IUCN therefore lists the Greek nine-spined stickleback as "critically endangered". The Greek state protected him with Law 67/1981.

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literature

  • Hans-Joachim Paepke: The sticklebacks: Gasterosteidae , Westarp Sciences, Magdeburg 1996, ISBN 3-89432-492-9
  • Yazdan Keivany, Charalambos K. Daoulas, Joseph S. Nelson , Panos S. Economidis: Threatened Fishes of the World: Pungitius hellenicus Stephanidis, 1971 (Gasterosteidae) , Environmental Biology of Fishes 55, 08.1999, ISSN  0378-1909 (Print), ISSN  1573-5133 (online)

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