SPECIES ID / Freshwater Fish of the Fraser Valley

Stickleback Family (Gasterosteidae)

  • 16 species in the family
  • 3 occur in British Columbia, but only 1 in the Fraser Valley
  • Prey on small invertebrates and fish larvae
  • Males glue together nests of algae, conifer needles and debris with mucous secreted by kidneys
  • Elaborate courtship rituals

Identification Tips:

  • Small body size (<10 cm)
  • Spines on back and pelvic fins

 

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Primary Information Source:
McPhail, J.D. 2007. The Freshwater Fishes of British Columbia. University of Alberta Press. Edmonton, Alberta.