Gasterosteus aculeatus
( Threespine, right )
Apeltes quadracus
( Fourspine, below )
Size:
to 4" (threespine)
to 2" (fourspine)
Habitat:
Weedy shore waters, occasionally at sea or even in freshwater.
Notes:
Sticklebacks are related to Pipefish and Seahorses. Three- and four-spined varieties are common in our area. A Ninespine variety is also possible.
"Dogfish" is a generic name for a large number of small, generally harmless, and unaggressive sharks, not all of which are very closely related. Smooth Dogfishes are related to Tiger, Bull, and other Requiem Sharks, while Spiny Dogfishes are in a completely different group, more closely related to Angel Sharks. Compare these with the unrelated Chain Dogfish, a "Cat" shark. Sandbar sharks have nothing in common with the others here, except their small size. None of these little sharks is really dangerous, although any of them could give a good bite if provoked. Generally, they will avoid you.
More: Sharks - Dogfishes ...
