Sticklebacks

Sticklebacks

Gasterosteus aculeatus
( Threespine, right )

Apeltes quadracus
( Fourspine, below )

Size:
to 4" (threespine)
to 2" (fourspine)

Sticklebacks

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.

Sticklebacks
Male Threespine Stickleback in breeding colors

SS Mohawk postcard
A postcard of the Mohawk, a typical 1930s passenger liner

A liner is a vessel designed primarily to carry passengers on a set schedule. There was a time when ocean liners were more than the mere pleasure cruisers of today. Before the advent of modern air travel, ships were the primary means of transport for those needing to cross the oceans. Untold numbers of immigrants came to this country in passenger liners, most in steerage class, a far cry from the modern floating pleasure palaces.