The three spiked stickleback is normally only about five centimetres, or two inches, long. It is bright silvery in colour and has three distinct, sharp spikes on the back that he can lift up when threatened. Hence
the name, three spiked stickleback, of course.
The breeding habits of the three spiked stickleback are
quite peculiar and intriguing. In the springtime, during spawning season, the
male three spiked stickleback builds a little, dome-shaped nest out of water plants and
weeds on the sea bed. He then begins to court the females of the species by
showing off his zig-zag mating dance in the water outside his nest.
Once the female three spiked stickleback is adequately
impressed, she lays her eggs in the
nest. After that the male fertilizes the eggs. Then he dumps her and
goes on to hit on other females. Sometimes one male can have the eggs of close to a
dozen females in his nest, one batch on top of another.
The male three spiked stickleback fiercely defends and takes care of
his offspring until they are old enough to find their own food and survive
independently.
Outside of breeding season the three spiked stickleback
lives in large shoals. They eat small invertebrates, larvae and fish eggs.
Well, that's it this time. It has been a while since I last
wrote here, hopefully I'll be able to find the time to write more often.
Anyway, if you have any comments, feel free to comment below. All feedback will
be greatly appreciated. Dive safe!
