Ninespine Stickleback

Pungitius pungitius

The Ninespine Stickleback is a small, slender stickleback with up to nine isolated dorsal spines and a narrow caudal peduncle. It lives in cool freshwater and brackish habitats across the Northern Hemisphere, often in weedy shallows where it feeds on tiny invertebrates.

Freshwater

Ninespine Stickleback reference image — This image is created by user B. Schoenmakers at Waarneming.nl , a source of nature observations in the Netherlands., cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Usually has 9 separate dorsal spines, not a continuous dorsal fin
Body is slim and silvery with a narrow tail base
Lacks the large pelvic spine armor of many other sticklebacks

Habitat

Shallow littoral zones of lakes, ponds, marshes, slow streams, and brackish coastal waters; favors vegetation, soft bottoms, and sheltered bays in cool temperate to subarctic regions.

Bait notes

Usually not targeted as a sport fish. Tiny worms, bloodworms, daphnia, maggots, or very small pieces of bait can take them; micro-jigs, small nymphs, or bits of soft plastic may also work.

Behavior

Feeds on zooplankton, insect larvae, small crustaceans, and benthic microinvertebrates. It is small, schooling or loosely social, and often stays close to cover; males may become territorial during spawning.

Caution

Spines are small but can still prick fingers when handling. Check local rules before retaining or transporting them; some populations are sensitive, and they are generally not a food fish.

Fishing notes

Best taken with ultra-light or fine-mesh gear in shallow weed edges, calm backwaters, or around emergent plants. Use tiny hooks and minimal weight; in many places they are best caught for observation rather than kept.