Fact File: Common Name(s): Ten-spine Stickleback, Nine-spine Stickleback Scientific Name: Pungitius pungitius Usual Size: Maximum 9cm, usually 4-6cms UK Record Weights from rod/line: Shore: Boat: MAFF Minimum Size: Shore: Boat:

Identification: the number of dorsal spines can vary between 7 and 12 but most fish have 9 dorsal spines, 2 pelvic spines and a single anal spine. The dorsal and pelvic spines are protected from collapse by a pelvic girdle that connects them in a strong, crush-proof structure surrounding the body. Body is more elongated than that of the Three-spined Stickleback and is devoid of plates. The dorsal and anal fins are set well back along the body close to the long, thin caudal peduncle, and the pelvic fins are reduced to one spine only. Colour varies due to location and conditions. Both sexes can be olive green above, fading to bronze or silver below; or an overall bronze with grey mottling above. Breeding: takes place March to August. Males attract as many females as possible to lay their eggs in a weed nest he has previously built. Each female lays from 10 to 100 eggs and the male guards these and resulting fry. Hatching takes from 10 to 20 days, depending on water temperature. Habitat: found stagnant ponds, slow moving river, and sometimes in estuaries and the sea. Food: carnivorous, they eat worms, insect larvae and crustaceans. Range: common throughout parts of Britain and Western Europe. Additional Notes:

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