Stickleback
Although sticklebacks are unlikely to feature highly on the wishlist of a serious angler, they are one of the most common freshwater fish in the UK canals and rivers.
Altogether there are eight species of stickleback but only two are found in the UK. Of these, the three-spined stickleback is the most common.
Easily spotted by the eponymous spines behind the dorsal fin, the stickleback can be found in almost any freshwater habitat.
Stickleback are unusual in the fish world in that the male of the species looks after the eggs and young fish. Most fish offer no parental care whatsoever.
Diet
A range of invertebrates. Fish eggs and young fish
Appearance
Stickleback have striking spines by the dorsal fin. They are a small fish with a deep body. Breeding males can be spotted by their bright red bellies and blue eyes. Otherwise this freshwater fish is a mottled brown-green colour.
Did you know...?
- Male stickleback build the nest and look after the young
- Ten-spined stickleback are also found in Britain
- Stickleback can inhabit saltwater and have even been spotted in the sea.
