- Wildlife
- Freshwater fish
- Three-spined Stickleback
About
The three-spined stickleback is a small fish found in ponds, lakes, ditches and rivers. The stickleback is an aggressive predator, feeding on invertebrates and other small animals including tadpoles and smaller fish. In the spring the male develops a bright red throat and belly and performs a courtship dance to attract a mate. He builds a sheltered nest out of vegetation, under which the female will lay up to 400 eggs. The male then defends the nest from other fish until the young hatch up to four weeks later.
How to identify
Brownish above with silvery sides and belly, the three-spined stickleback is the fish that is most likely to be caught when pond-dipping. Identified by the three sharp spines on the back.
Where to find it
Found throughout the country.
Habitats
When to find it
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- Novermber
- December
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
How can people help
To help to look after sticklebacks and other fish species, The Wildlife Trusts work with landowners, statutory bodies, water companies and other organisations to help manage river and wetland habitats sympathetically. You can help by supporting your local Trust and becoming a member; you'll find out about exciting wildlife happenings, events on your doorstep and volunteering opportunities, and be helping local wildlife along the way.