Purchasing Sticklebacks?

[terrier]

Hello All!
We have recently turned a part of our garden over to the wildlife and have been busy creating a pond and boggy area. My husband is adamant he would like a fish or two in the pond (which is of a good size - 10'x5' ish and 3' deep in the middle). I know Goldfish and Carp are a no-no but someone has suggested Sticklebacks as a good native species which are not too predatory (if at all?) so I was wondering if anyone knows where you can buy them and if so should we wait a given amount of time to place them? bearing in mind the pond is very young..... advice will all be listened to. Thanks in advance!

[Dogghound]

Interesting subject, even sticklebacks will have an impact and are predatory, but are also prey for the larger insect larva, So a pond that size should be ok but do consider that they quickly fill the pond and breed rapidly having a greater impact although this is minimal. Im usure as to where you would buy them from never seen them for sale before.

[Gill Osborne]

Never seen them for sale anywhere

I would imagine it would just be a case of go to your local pond and catch half a dozen or so - that should populate your pond quick enough

Are there any rules/regulations about catching them?

When I was a young girl I used to go to my local pond in Jesmond Dene called Paddy Freemans which was next to a kiddies playground and there were loads there. I had a fishtank in my bedroom and had a few in there to watch their behaviour.

[Cazzie]

Don't know where you are but I've seen them occaisionally for sale in a 'Ripples Waterlife' outlet.

However we 'acquired' some from the local canal for our last pond I've recently made a pond too, but I am not going to stock with any fish at all... just leaving it to nature

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by Gill Osborne

Are there any rules/regulations about catching them?

They are a common species and not protected, im unaware of any laws against it. As long as you dont dredge the whole pond out

[Lance Morgan]

When they were smaller my girls used to catch loads from the river near our house a la cheap net and glass jar. Reckon you would have to have some patience though they are not easy to catch.

[Cazzie]

Originally Posted by Lance Morgan

When they were smaller my girls used to catch loads from the river near our house a la cheap net and glass jar. Reckon you would have to have some patience though they are not easy to catch.

You sure? Sticklebacks are know for being dippy and easily caught lol!

[Scarlet Pimpernel]

Yeah seriously in my experience as a boy I used to catch them very very easily! Especially the smaller ones...the bigger colourful males had their head screwed on a bit more when it came to avoiding a net scoop!

Cheers Jacob

[terrier]

Many thanks to all for your replies. The pond is now finished and I am just letting the water settle and gain a few nutrients for a while before we make any final decision on the fish. I am still against the idea purely because we built the pond as a haven for the wildlife so "introducing" anything unnaturally, in my opinion, is a negative move, however, my husband does have a right to his opinion and is still trying to win me over - watch this space!

[coasty]

Use a minnow trap to catch your stickle backs,,,,Its a good excuse to empty a wine bottle,,,