Key Facts
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An unusual features of sticklebacks is that they have no scales, although some species have bony armour plates.
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They are related to pipefish and seahorses.
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Sticklebacks are carnivorous, feeding on small animals such as insects, crustaceans and fish larvae.
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The main features of stickleback are having a row of 2 to 16 spines on the back, which are positioned in front of a soft-rayed dorsal fin. They also possess a sharp spine in each of the pelvic fins, a slender tail base, a squared tail, large eyes, and an upturned mouth.
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If you see red coloured stickleback fish, it is a male stickleback getting ready for reproduction.
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Sticklebacks are small, elongated fishes that reach a maximum length of about 18 cm (7 inches).
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Stickleback fish can be found not only in oceans but also freshwater.