Three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus
Sticklebacks have very good parenting skills with the male guarding the eggs until they hatch. Sticklebacks living in the sea are migratory whereas those that live in freshwater tend to stay in the same area for life.
Conservation status in Norfolk
Not threatened, but this species is thought to have declined in recent decades. Probably still widespread in Norfolk but more information is needed on distribution and numbers.
How to help
The best way to help sticklebacks is to protect their habitats. Please do not pollute waterways, ponds or the sea with litter or by putting waste materials such as oils or old fertilisers in them. Do not release unwanted pets such as terrapins into areas where sticklebacks may live as they could eat the sticklebacks or compete with them for food.
Dave Horsley
Information on the Three-spined stickleback
How to recognise
The most obvious feature of the three-spined stickleback is its spines ('stickles' on its back). As its name suggests, there are usually three spines but this small fish can have two or four spines instead. Sticklebacks are 4 – 6 cms in length although they can grow up to 10 cm. They generally have a greyish or bluish-green back and silvery sides. During the breeding season the male develops a metallic sheen over his back and sides and a bright red or orange patch on his throat which extends down towards his belly.
Where to see
Stickle backs are found in both freshwater and the sea. Those found in freshwater favour places that have lots of vegetation and sandy or muddy bottoms. Marine sticklebacks are found in coastal areas and estuaries sometimes frequenting drifting patches of seaweed.
Did you know?
Unlike most fish, sticklebacks have very good parenting skills. The male builds a nest from aquatic plants or seaweed. The female lays her eggs in the nest where the male will guard them until they hatch. He uses his fins to fan the eggs to provide them with oxygen.
Sticklebacks living in the sea are migratory whereas those that live in freshwater tend to stay in the same area for life.
An old Norfolk name for sticklebacks is 'stannickles'.
Finding out more
Link to Arkive website - images of life on earth.
Related questions
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