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Reproductive tactics of four sympatric sticklebacks (Gasterosteidae)

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The life history traits (longevity, growth, age at maturity, fecundity, egg size and length of breeding season) were compared for four sympatric sticklebacks (Gasterosteidae). Significant differences occurred for growth, longevity, age at maturity and length of breeding season, but not for egg diameters. Differences in life history traits are interpreted in terms of mechanisms permitting the coexistence of these closely-related territorial fish. Egg numbers were lowest inApeltes quadracus and highest inGasterosteus aculeatus withGasterosteus wheatlandi andPungitius pungitius having similar and intermediate fecundities.

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  1. Département de biologie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, GIK 7P4, Canada

    David Craig & Gerard J. FitzGerald

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  1. David Craig
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  2. Gerard J. FitzGerald
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Craig, D., FitzGerald, G.J. Reproductive tactics of four sympatric sticklebacks (Gasterosteidae). Environ Biol Fish 7, 369–375 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00005572

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00005572

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