Family Gasterosteidae - sticklebacks

Sticklebacks occur in both fresh and salt waters of the northern Hemisphere. They frequent estuaries and bays but most return to fresh waters to spawn. Although the dorsal and pectoral spines provide some protection; sticklebacks are preyed upon by a number of predators.

Tubesnout- Aulorhynchus flavidus

Remarks: Large schools of tubesnouts reside within the eelgrass beds. Although these fish have no angling or commercial fishing value, they may serve as a food source for larger predators.

Identification: Tubesnouts have a short elongated body with a tapering snout and small mouth. There are about 25 individual spines preceding the soft dorsal fin. Placement of the anal fin is directly below the soft dorsal fin. Body is brown above and white below to a length of 18cm.

Range: Alaska to northern Baja. Common in eelgrass, estuaries, kelp beds and offshore areas to 30m.

Threespine stickleback- Gasterosteus aculeatus

Remarks: Sticklebacks are a small and unique group of fishes. Common in the inlet areas of the bay, preferring brackish waters. This anadromous fish will construct a nest and guard the eggs until they hatch.

Identification: Unmistakable with three spines preceding a soft rayed dorsal fin. Pelvic fins consist of a spine and a single soft ray. Body color is green to dark olive with bony plates on the sides. Length is to 10cm.

Range: The Bering Sea to northern Baja. Preferred habitat is near shore brackish waters but frequents the open ocean north of Monterey, California to 27m.