Fifteen Spine Stickleback

Fifteen-spined sticklebacks grow up to 20 centimeters long. In European coastal waters, they live mostly in areas rich in seaweed and eelgrass. They eat primarily shrimp. Fifteen-spined sticklebacks were common in the Wadden Sea until 1932, however when the eelgrass fields disappeared, the fifteen-spined stickleback have also practically vanished here. The male makes a nest from plant material on the sea bottom. The female lays 150 to 200 eggs in the nest and dies soon afterwards. The males take care of the brood until the eggs hatch.

Front of body brassy-yellow in the male, with larger pectoral fins than in the female (Ref. 35388).

Males build, guard and aerate the nest where the eggs are deposited (Ref. 205). Also Ref. 53335.

Dorsal spines (total): 1417

Lives singly or in pairs in weedy, shallow coastal seas. Feeds on small invertebrates. The male builds a nest and the female dies shortly after laying her eggs there.

Adults live solitary or in pairs in weedy, shallow coastal areas (Ref. 4119). Feed on small invertebrates (Ref. 4119). Males build a nest from algae and debris, using kidney excrete as glue. Spawning season is May to June. Females deposit 150 - 200 eggs in the nest and often die shortly afterwards (Ref. 9900). Males care for and defend the nest. Offsprings reach maturity in one year (Ref. 4645).

fisheries: of no interest