Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Fourspine Stickleback (Apeltes quadracus) - Native

5 cm fourspine stickleback.

The four sharp spines are clearly visible on this 2-inch fourspine stickleback.

Identification. Four long dorsal spines (length of spines equal to or greater than diameter of eye). Pelvic bones not joined across breast. Caudal peduncle with a long lateral keel. Brown on back and sides with white belly. Body covered with dark mottling. Pelvic fins sometimes reddish, bright red in breeding males.

Fourspine stickleback in a tank.

Aquarium photo of a fourspine stickleback.

Size. Commonly 1 to 1.5 inches. State survey max. size 2.4 inches. Max. reported size 2.5 inches.

Distribution. Atlantic Coast from Newfoundland to North Carolina with some nearby inland landlocked populations. In Connecticut, marine populations are found along the entire coast, where they range from common to uncommon in abundance. Fourspine sticklebacks can also be found in many coastal streams just above the salt wedge, where they can be common in abundance. Common to abundant freshwater populations are found in the Mill River watershed (Hamden/Cheshire) and in vegetated, backwater areas of some tributaries on the Connecticut River near Hartford. One known landlocked lake population exists (Rogers Lake, Old Lyme), although no sticklebacks have been caught there since 1997.

Fourspine stickelback distribution map.

All maps created in 2009. See CT DEEP Fish Community Data for updated distributions.

Habits. Prefer inshore marine waters, especially salt marshes and tidal creeks. Have the greatest range of salinity tolerance of any North American stickleback, which has allowed many freshwater populations to develop. Can easily be captured with small-mesh dip net or seine.

Comments. Connecticut’s most common stickleback. True to their names, sticklebacks have very sharp spines, which can be locked in an upright position, causing these little fish to be very unpalatable for most predators.

 

Text and images adapted from Jacobs, R. P., O'Donnell, E. B., and Connecticut DEEP. (2009). A Pictorial Guide to Freshwater Fishes of Connecticut. Hartford, CT. Available for purchase at the DEEP Store.