Sticklebacks

[starlight]

I did a search and found nothing that I was after. So my question then. Are Sticklebacks rare in the UK now? If not is there a problem/illegal to catch a couple for my wildlife pond.

If I did have some are they predators of tadpoles? Would it cause an imbalance? I have a small pond 3' x 4' and 2' deep.

So many questions........even if the answer is "Its illegal" I would still be interested in the questions answering just for information. I would love to understand better the co habitation of underwater species.

Thanks in advance

[AndyC]

Not particularly rare, ponds and slow rivers are the places to find them.
I'm not sure of the exact legal position but you would have to be very unlucky to be sent to prison for moving a couple to your enclosed garden pond

The fish haters will be along shortly to tell you that no fish should ever be placed in a wildlife pond

Andy

[badgerwatcher]

My understanding, (I know nothing!) is that sticklebacks prefer to live in flowing water, although my hazy memory is that my father kept some in a tank when I was very small. I haven't seen any for years, although I don't spend as much time in ditches these days.

[demicav]

I used to collect loads as a child. They were abundant in slow flowing water all around me. I've not seen any for years now though. I think they're more scarce than they used to be, especially in these parts. I don't think it's illegal to catch them but can't be 100% sure so don't take my word for it.

[Ukwildlifeo]

One thing I was told by a club of experienced fish keepers was that nearly every stickleback has some kind of disease, but with little ill effect - so just dont put them in with captive reared fish like goldfish

[m1.carson]

Hi,

I've heard that rumour as well about the diseases, but it seems every time we buy fish, [gold or koi] from well known retailers some or all die of disease, despite the expensive remedies.

Max.

P.S. I wouldn't know where today to net sticklebacks, haven't seen one for years.

[Jez]

Do they eat tadpoles? I had gold fish in my pond they may well have eaten some of the taddys but it didn't stop lots from growing into frogs + there was also an abundance of pond loving/ creatures which made my small pond a superb habitat! Thanks to my old Skate Board which made a good barrow!

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by badgerwatcher

My understanding, (I know nothing!) is that sticklebacks prefer to live in flowing water, although my hazy memory is that my father kept some in a tank when I was very small. I haven't seen any for years, although I don't spend as much time in ditches these days.

lol Only when you have had too many..Still laughing

[Jez]

Nice to know you can still have a joke under such sticky circumstances!

[starlight]

Oh thank you all for the wonderful info. I remember catching them as a kid too, I just wasnt sure of the situation these days and I havent seen any for a long time either.

The only place I have seen them in the last 10 years is the dykes in Lincolnshire. I wont have goldfish as they are not native, which is why sticklebacks came to mind.

Thanks again