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Sticklebacks

13 species · 4 families

Sticklebacks are small, tough fish of fresh, brackish and coastal water, recognised by the separate, sharp spines in front of the dorsal fin. The well-known three-spined stickleback carries three and shows a bright red belly in the breeding season. Males build a real nest of plant material and fiercely guard the eggs and young. Despite their size they are feisty, territorial fighters. They have become famous as a model species in behavioural and evolutionary research.

Gasterosteidae 10 Hypoptychidae 1 Indostomidae 1 Aulorhynchidae 1

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Sticklebacks

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