About Spinachia spinachia (Linnaeus, 1758)
Common Name & General Body Shape
Spinachia spinachia, commonly called the fifteen-spined stickleback, is an elongated fish with a long, slender snout.
Caudal Peduncle & Caudal Fin
Its elongated caudal peduncle makes up roughly one third of its total body length, and it has a rounded, fan-like caudal fin.
Anterior Dorsal Fin
The anterior dorsal fin is formed from a row of 14 to 15 small, widely spaced spines.
Posterior Dorsal & Anal Fins
The posterior dorsal fin and anal fin are aligned, similar in size and shape, and sit directly in front of the caudal peduncle.
Pelvic Fins
Its pelvic fins are made up of spines.
Coloration
This species has a brownish-yellow body with indistinct dark markings, and a silvery belly.
Size
It reaches a maximum total length of 22 centimetres (8.7 inches), while individuals most commonly measure between 8 and 15 centimetres (3 to 6 inches) long.
Distribution & Habitat
The fifteen-spined stickleback is native to the coastal waters of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, where it lives among bladderwrack and eel grass.
