Dispersion in a natural population of three-spined sticklebacks

Abstract

Territorial male three-spined sticklebacks, Gasterosteus aculeatus form trachurus, in a splash pool were dispersed uniformly. Their nests tended to occur in sheltered locations, but the presence of exposed nests and the uniform dispersion suggested that all the suitable space for territories was used. If original males, removed from their territories, did not return, new males became territorial.