Nine-spine sticklebacks: Britain's tiny but mighty freshwater fish

Hardy species with up to 12 spines can withstand oxygen-poor water and a variety of temperaturesThe nine-spine stickleback, Pungitius pungitius, is Britain's smallest freshwater fish and one of the toughest, able to withstand oxygen-poor water and a variety of temperatures.Like its more numerous cousin, the three-spine stickleback, the males play a significant role in the breeding process. They build a nest and, once the female has laid her eggs, the males protect them from predators. Continue reading...