Fauna
Species

Amur Stickleback

Pungitius sinensis

Also known as Gasigogi, Chinese Ninespine Stickleback

Amur sticklebacks inhabit heavily vegetated shallows, springs, and oxbows across East Asia, navigating slow currents with precise, fluttering fin movements. During the spring breeding period, males develop dark courtship coloration and construct intricate spherical nests from plant fibers glued together with specialized kidney secretions. The male fiercely defends the nest site from intruders, continuously fanning fresh, oxygen-rich water over the eggs until the fry disperse.

FreshwaterNest BuilderArmor-plated
Amur Stickleback reference
A. C. Tatarinov / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyChironomid larvae, Water fleas, Copepods
Predators
  • Northern snakehead
  • Common kingfisher
  • Grey heron
ThreatsWetland loss, river canalization, and agricultural pollution
HabitatsClear vegetated streams, oxbow ponds, wetlands, and spring pools
Life span1–3 years
Classification
  1. FamilyGasterosteidae
  2. SpeciesPungitius sinensis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Look for a tiny, slender fish with 8 to 11 isolated dorsal spines and bony lateral plates.
Support conservation
Observe from the bank without wading through clear shallows or trampling delicate submerged breeding nests.
Responsible observation
  • Quiet Banks: Approach vegetated stream edges softly to avoid scaring fish into weed cover.
  • Spring Breeding: Scan sunny shallows between April and June to watch nesting males fanning their broods.
Related species
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