Morphology, life history, and ecology of an unusual stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) in the Queen Charlotte Islands, Canada

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Abstract
In Mayer Lake Black sticklebacks shared an exposed environment with several predatory fish, whereas leiurus, the typical freshwater form of Gasterosteus aculeatus, was the only fish inhabiting the vegetation-choked margins of the inlet streams and stream mouths. Black sticklebacks and, to a lesser extent, leiurus were seldom collected outside their respective habitats. Breeding Black males were probably at least 2 years old. They preferred to nest near vegetation, on sandy, gently sloping substrates. The length of the breeding season and the number of breeding cycles in the season were similar to those of other populations. Males of different phenotypes appeared to nest in habitats differing in water depth and proximity to shelter. Some differences in habitat of the nest site were seemingly correlated with breeding success. Black sticklebacks are distinguished from leiurus by their large size and pelvic spines; high gill raker, vertebral and lateral plate counts; streamlined shape; melanism and drab breeding colors. Black sticklebacks probably meet the requirements of a biologically defined species.
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