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

White Sucker

Catostomus commersoni

Size
to 25"

Suckers live in any kind of water, from fast-flowing streams to large lakes. They vacuum up invertebrates from lake and stream beds.