ISSN:
1095-8649
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
The aberrant stickleback in the Karlskrona archipelago is probably a completely new form within the three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus complex. Males of this type differ from sympatric, normal stickleback males by being smaller and by having less striking nuptial coloration. They also build nests in algae above the bottom, whereas normal stickleback males build their nest at the bottom. Moreover, observations suggest that aberrant stickleback males have emancipated from most of the care of nest and offspring as they appear to transport fertilized eggs from the nest to the surroundings where they are left unattended. Whether this can be explained by sex-specific reproductive strategies or by any other means is investigated. Preliminary results suggest the aberrant stickleback to be genetically distinct from regular morphs. The project will investigate this further and hopefully clarify whether the aberrant type has evolved in the Karlskrona archipelago, thus probably in sympatry with normal sticklebacks, or if it is of allopatric origin. With reproductively important morphological and behavioural deviations, our first guess would be that isolation is mediated through sexual selection. If this is true, isolation may have been relatively rapid making a sympatric origin less unlikely. The aberrant form is very rare and endangered. Presently, it is only found at two sites, both of which are threatened by an impending ferry terminal construction. A major aim of the project is to help preserve the aberrant stickleback. Most importantly, aberrants will be collected for captive breeding and introduction to new localities.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8649.2003.216bg.x
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