Three-Spined Stickleback
Gasterosteus aculeatus
- Group: Other
- Typical depth: 0–100 m
- Max size: 11 cm
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: LC
A small, armoured fish named for the three sharp spines locking upright before its dorsal fin, a defence it raises when threatened. It moves between fresh water, estuaries and coastal seas, and many populations stay in fresh or brackish water year round. Males build a nest of plant matter glued together and guard the eggs and fry.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Perciformes › Gasterosteidae › Gasterosteus
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 126505.
FAQ
- How deep does the Three-Spined Stickleback live?
- The Three-Spined Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) is typically found at 0–100 m.
- Is the Three-Spined Stickleback dangerous to divers?
- The Three-Spined Stickleback is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Three-Spined Stickleback get?
- The Three-Spined Stickleback grows to about 11 cm.