Family Gasterosteidae

Sticklebacks

Selected Characters: Dorsal fin preceded by 2-16 isolated spines; lateral bony plates usually present.

Sticklebacks are found in marine, brackish and freshwater habitats in the northern hemisphere. The family is well known as the subject of a wide variety of biological studies. It includes at least 7 currently recognized species. There is tremendous diversity in the sticklebacks and taxonomy within the family is still debated. Our species, the Threespine Stickleback, is a widely distributed and very variable species which is generally less than 10 cm long. This species is most often found in freshwater, but also enters brackish and coastal marine waters, occasionally roaming far offshore. Spawning almost always takes place in freshwater. Eggs usually develop within a nest built and guarded by the male. Threespine Sticklebacks are frequently found in schools near the shore. They feed on small crustaceans, insects, and small fishes. Larger fishes, seals, and birds prey on sticklebacks. This fish is common in Puget Sound.

Puget Sound Species

Gasterosteus aculeatus Threespine Stickleback