Fifteen-spine Stickleback
Fact File:

Common Name(s):
Fifteen-spine Stickleback, Sea Stickleback

Scientific Name:
Spinachia spinachia

Usual Size:
Maximum 20cm

UK Record Weights from rod/line:
British Record: 15-spined Stickleback 7g

MAFF Minimum Size: Shore: Boat:

Identification:
this wholly marine species has between 14 and 16 dorsal spines, 2 pelvic spines and a single anal spine. Body shape is eel-like with the dorsal and anal fins set well back along the body close to the very long and thin caudal peduncle. Pelvic fins are reduced to one spine only.
The head is long and tubular and a brown stripe runs through the eye.
Both sexes are a mottled dark brown along the upper part of the body and light brown to white below.

Breeding:
takes place May to August. Males build a large nest amongst the eelgrass from the middle shore downward. The eggs and fry from a number of females are guarded by the male.

Habitat:
smaller fish are found in rock pools on the middle to lower shore. Larger fish tend to stay in deeper water and only return to the shore to breed.

Food:
they eat worms and crustaceans.

Range:
common around the coasts of Britain and Western Europe.

Additional Notes:

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