The stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus Linnaeus)

Class family of Actinopterygii order Gasterosteiformes des Gasterosteids Gasterosteus aculeatus (Linnaeus, 1758)

The stickleback is a small fish whose body is elongated and laterally compressed. Along the lateral line, the body is not covered with scales but bony plates (coats of arms). The caudal peduncle is very narrow. Three isolated spines are present on the back in front of the dorsal fin. The snout is pointed and fitted with a Terminal mouth. The pelvic fins are also replaced by two spines.

The females are larger than males, they are 4-5 cm and males from 3.5 to 4 cm.

His back is greenish-Brown punctuated by black, the flanks are grey silver under the lateral line and the underside is whitish. The silver dress of the male takes a vivid red color at the time of reproduction.

Longevity varies from 3 to 5 years.

Its diet is closely related to its size. It consumes worms, small crustaceans, insects, fish eggs and larvae and plants or filamentous algae incidentally.

The stickleback breeds from April to June depending on the region. The male builds a nest tunnel and agglomerated vegetable-shaped by mucus. It attracts successively several females attracted to the bright livery of the male to its nest where spawning occurs. The male provides guard the nest and parental care (breakdown of eggs, disposals of dead... eggs) to hatching.

The stickleback is a fish found in shallow waters of lakes or rivers. He likes the habitats where aquatic vegetation is present. It is tolerant of brackish waters of estuaries and can meet in salt water.

This fish is widespread in Europe, in coastal and inland waters. His success at the level of its expansion can be explained by the eurythermal and euryhaline individuals behavior.

The stickleback is a small fish size, use small hooks and small bait.