3-spined stickleback · Gasterosteus aculeatus

3-spined stickleback in the Main River Axe

Largest measured 3-spined stickleback: 5.5 cm

The largest 3-spined stickleback measured in Environment Agency surveys of the Main River Axe was 5.5 cm, recorded at Downstream Kilmington STW (Dip) on 25 May 2022.

Across 13 measured 3-spined stickleback, the median measured length was 3.6 cm.

RiverFish uses Environment Agency survey measurements rather than rod-and-line angling records. These figures show fish measured during EA surveys of the Main River Axe.

See 3-spined stickleback records across England →

Most recent observation8 August 2023Broom Bridge (5 min) · 7 fish

Largest measured 3-spined stickleback: 5.5 cm
Median length: 3.6 cm
Fish measured: 13
Survey locations: 8

Individual EA measurements

Largest measured 3-spined stickleback

The largest individual measurements in this river and species dataset. Equal measurements are retained as separate surveyed fish.

Length	Survey date	Survey location	Survey ID
5.5 cm	25 May 2022	Downstream Kilmington STW (Dip)	161088
4.4 cm	14 Jul 2016	Clapton (Sp)	148473
4 cm	8 Aug 2023	Broom Bridge (5 min)	163710
3.8 cm	8 Aug 2023	Broom Bridge (5 min)	163710
3.7 cm	8 Aug 2023	Broom Bridge (5 min)	163710
3.7 cm	8 Aug 2023	Broom Bridge (5 min)	163710
3.6 cm	8 Aug 2023	Broom Bridge (5 min)	163710
3.6 cm	8 Aug 2023	Broom Bridge (5 min)	163710
3.5 cm	8 Aug 2023	Broom Bridge (5 min)	163710
2.8 cm	14 Jul 2016	Clapton (Sp)	148473

Lengths are direct survey measurements. RiverFish does not estimate fish weights from length.

Explore the river

Where 3-spined stickleback were found

Each point marks a survey location with at least one 3-spined stickleback record.

Choose a point on the map to see what was recorded there.

Map points are approximate and don’t show fishing access. Check local permissions before visiting.

Place surveyed	First recorded	Last recorded	Visits finding 3-spined stickleback
Broom Bridge (5 min)	8 Aug 2023	8 Aug 2023	1
Nunford Bridge (5 min)	1 Aug 2023	1 Aug 2023	1
Axe-Yarty Confluence (Dip)*	7 Aug 2018	17 May 2023	2
Downstream Kilmington STW (Dip)	25 May 2022	25 May 2022	1
Clapton (Sp)	30 Jul 1997	14 Jul 2016	4
Axminster Town Weir (Sp)	17 Jun 2010	17 Jun 2010	1
Weycroft (5 min)	21 Jun 2004	21 Jun 2004	1
A3052 - Axe Bridge (Dip)*	15 Sept 1997	15 Sept 1997	1

Choose a point or table row to see the location. More survey visits can mean more records, but not necessarily more fish.

1997–2023

Survey records by year

Each bar shows how many survey visits recorded 3-spined stickleback that year.

297

098

099

000

001

002

003

204

005

006

007

008

009

210

011

012

013

014

015

116

017

118

019

020

021

122

323

Fish measured by surveyors

Measured length distribution

See how the 13 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest: 2.2 cm
Lower quarter: 2.8 cm
Median: 3.6 cm
Upper quarter: 3.8 cm
Largest: 5.5 cm

0–99 mm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

More fish in this river

Explore the Main River Axe

Compare other species with enough survey and measurement data for a detailed page.

Bullhead Minnow Stone loach European eel Brown / sea trout Atlantic salmon

Before you fish

Good to know

These are past survey records, so the fish present today may be different. Map points are approximate—check local access, permissions and fishing rules before visiting.

Learn how RiverFish uses the data →