Fourspine stickleback
📖 Overview
Adults occur mainly along weedy bays and backwaters, entering brackish water and to a limited extent, fresh water . They feed along the bottom, primarily on diatoms, worms and crustaceans by sucking in the prey with a pipetting action . Males build, guard and aerate the nest where the eggs are deposited .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Fourspine stickleback is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Fourspine stickleback is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Fourspine stickleback is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
The male builds, guards and aerates the nest .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; freshwater; brackish; benthopelagic; anadromous ; depth range 0 - 3 m . Temperate; 4°C - 20°C ; 51°N - 35°N North Carolina, USA.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Fourspine stickleback is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Fourspine stickleback is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Fourspine stickleback has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gasterosteus millepunctatus | Ayres | 1843 | Synonym |
| Gasterosteus quadracus | Mitchill | 1815 | Synonym |
| Gasterosteus quadratus | Mitchill | 1815 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 90 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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