ISSN:
1432-1793
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Spinachia spinachia L., the fifteen-spined or sea stickleback, is a little known annual fish widely distributed throughout European coastal waters. Although known to be morphologically variable, no studies of the extent or patterns of population differentiation had as yet been undertaken. Investigation of over 30 well-scattered samples revealed meristic differences which correlate well with breeding season temperatures. This relationship is probably complex, for although temperature changes linearly, meristic counts showed evidence of a V-shaped (or curvilinear) pattern. Comparison with studies on other European stickleback species suggests that selection rather than phenetic induction has produced this trend in variation. Some information on the diet of this species is also presented.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00541007
