Three-spined stickleback - Gasterosteus aculeatus - 4 cm

The three-spined stickleback is practically an old hand from the beginning, because almost everyone has heard of it or seen it. With its bony plates instead of scales and the spiny armament in front of the dorsal fin, this biotope fish is probably one of the most fascinating among the perch. In its time, the stickleback also known as Gasterostes aculeatus (LINNAEUS, 1758) even found its own attention in Linné's  Systema Naturae.

The well-known little fish is called differently depending upon origin - and that reaches from Europe to northern Asia and North America - : Redfish, Wolf, Steckerling or Stechbüttel, hardly any other enjoys more popularity. In its habitat, it often inhabits stagnant, but also flowing waters, which can extend into estuaries of saltwater deposits. Depending on their occurrence, the three-spined sticklebacks show different colors and also sizes. Especially the populations near the coast become somewhat larger with 11 centimeters, also yellow or black populations exist.

Young Three-spined sticklebacks, but also their mothers, seem to be rather gray-brown mice with a gray ground color, a light belly and a somewhat darker back. More colorful, however, are the males (milters), especially during the mating season, because then they present themselves with a crimson belly, with which they later lure their beloved into the nest they "spit together" themselves. It builds the nest from chewed plant parts in shallow hollows in the ground and sticks it to the ground with the help of kidney secretion and sand. After laying the eggs, the male guards and fans the clutch and becomes extremely territorial. The young hatch after about 7-12 days and can be fed with Artemia.

The aquarium or mini pond for the small spiny knights should be at least 100 liters and very well filtered. They also have an increased need for oxygen, but this can be easily provided with outflow stones or appropriately adjusted filter outlet. If they are kept in the pond, it should be at least 80 centimeters deep, so that it does not freeze in winter. At temperatures between 4-20 degrees, rather softer water with 6-8° dH and a pH value of 6.5-7 they can be well maintained. The aquarium can be equipped with light gravel, with plant stands, but also roots and stones can be created both territorial markings and visual protection.

The Three-spined Stickleback is a carnivore that prefers to feed on insects and their larvae, but also gammarus, hoppers and daphnia. In the aquarium or also in the pond it can be supplied therefore well with live and frozen food, if it finds nothing else. It cannot be accustomed to conventional dry food for pond fish.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planaria and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.