On nine-spined sticklebacks of the genus Pungitius (Gasterosteiformes) of Lake Bol’shoe (Bol’shoi Shantar Island, Shantar Islands)

Abstract

Specific features of morphology and biology of two species of nine-spined sticklebacks—Pungitius sinensis and P. pungitius—dwelling in brackish Lake Bol’shoe (Bol’shoi Shantar Island) have been studied. Differences in the number of dorsal spines, vertebrae, and coloration, as well as the absence of specimens with an intermediate phenotype indicate the reproductive isolation of two species supported by the temporal separation of spawning periods. Species P. pungitius was found in Lake Bol’shoe for the first time.