What kind of animal is the Canadian stickleback?

Stickleback, of the fish family Gasterosteidae, occur in freshwater lakes and streams and in marine waters along northern coastlines of the northern hemisphere. There are 5 genera and, as a conservative figure, about 8 species worldwide; 4 genera and 5 species are found in Canada.

1. What are stickleback related to?
2. What is the habitat of a stickleback?
3. Can you eat stickleback fish?
4. Do sticklebacks eat tadpoles?
5. Can sticklebacks live with goldfish?
6. How do sticklebacks mate?
7. Are sticklebacks related to seahorses?
8. Why are male sticklebacks territorial?
9. Can I put sticklebacks in my pond?
10. What do sticklebacks eat in the wild?
11. How do you get sticklebacks?
12. Do sticklebacks eat frog spawn?
13. How long do sticklebacks live for?
14. Can sticklebacks live with minnows?

What are stickleback related to?

stickleback, any of about eight species of fishes in five genera of the family Gasterosteidae (order Gasterosteiformes) found in fresh, brackish, and marine waters in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere as far north as the Arctic Ocean.

What is the habitat of a stickleback?

The present and previous studies suggest that most sticklebacks live in intertidal areas such as estuaries, salt marshes and tidal pools, and could be estuarine residents that complete their entire lives in seawater and/or brackish water environments without any freshwater life.

Can you eat stickleback fish?

What Eats Them? Despite the sharp spines on their backs, brook sticklebacks are eaten by many other fish species.

Do sticklebacks eat tadpoles?

A diminutive but aggressive predator, the three-spined stickleback hunts tadpoles and small fish. It is also known for fiercely protecting its nest of eggs until they hatch.

Can sticklebacks live with goldfish?

Avoid mixing native fish such as sticklebacks with more exotic types like goldfish and carp. Sticklebacks in particular are aggressive and territorial and will harass, damage and even kill bigger fish. ... Always acclimatise the fish before putting them in the pond.

How do sticklebacks mate?

He uses his mouth to glue the bits of plants together. When the nest is finished, the male tries to entice as many females as he can into his nest. Each female lays her eggs in the nest and the male fertilises them.

Are sticklebacks related to seahorses?

As part of the Gasterosteidae family, stickleback fish are related to seahorses, although their approach to parenting is somewhat different. Male sticklebacks use a glue-like secretion to build a nest, attracting a female who will lay her eggs inside whilst the male swims through and fertilises them.

Why are male sticklebacks territorial?

Males defend nesting territories during the summer breeding season and do so exclusively for reproductive purposes.

Can I put sticklebacks in my pond?

If you fancy introducing fish, sticklebacks are a good choice for small ponds with their fascinating behaviour, but can effect insect and amphibian populations. ... Grass carp have an 'all you can eat' approach when it comes to planted ponds; they will happily eat any aquatic vegetation.

What do sticklebacks eat in the wild?

They eat all sorts of invertebrates, such as worms, insect larvae, small snails, crustaceans and water fleas. They even eat young fish and fish eggs - sometimes searching out those of other sticklebacks!

How do you get sticklebacks?

Once abundant, location is now key if you want to catch a stickleback. In shallow, weedy and clear water, careful observation will reveal this tiny fish. Your best chance will likely be with the use of a fine mesh landing net or children's dipping net.

Do sticklebacks eat frog spawn?

The usual advice is that, especially in small garden ponds, frogs and fish do not go well together ... the fish eat the spawn and tadpoles ( and the frogs attempt to be amorous with larger fish).

How long do sticklebacks live for?

Life-span: about three years. Food: mainly small water invertebrates; also fish eggs and young fish.

Can sticklebacks live with minnows?

The Three-spined stickleback

Characteristics: Flexible but very aggressive during breeding season; Well suited for small ponds. Can be kept with other small fish (bitterling, minnow, roach) but only in very large ponds.