The Fifteen-spine stickleback (Spinachia spinachia) is a saltwater fish of the family Gasterosteidae that grows up to 22 cm.
Description
The sea stickleback is a very slender, elongate marine fish of the family Gasterosteidae reaching about 22 cm, the longest of the sticklebacks. The thread-like body has a long, pointed snout and bears fourteen to seventeen short, separate spines before the actual dorsal fin; the tail base is strikingly thin. The species lives among seagrass and weeds in shallow coastal water of the north-eastern Atlantic coast, the North Sea and the western Baltic. It hunts small crustaceans, fish larvae and zooplankton. Like the other sticklebacks the male builds a nest, here of weed strands glued together with a kidney secretion, and guards the eggs and young. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Fifteen-spine stickleback?
The Fifteen-spine stickleback has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.
Where does the Fifteen-spine stickleback live?
The Fifteen-spine stickleback lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom.
How big does the Fifteen-spine stickleback get?
The Fifteen-spine stickleback grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.
Is the Fifteen-spine stickleback dangerous to humans?
No, the Fifteen-spine stickleback is harmless to humans.
Is the Fifteen-spine stickleback edible?
The Fifteen-spine stickleback is not usually eaten.
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More from the family Gasterosteidae
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