RiverFish

3-spined stickleback · Gasterosteus aculeatus

3-spined stickleback in the River Anker

Largest measured 3-spined stickleback: 5.5 cm

The largest 3-spined stickleback measured in Environment Agency surveys of the River Anker was 5.5 cm, recorded at Polesworth on 26 April 2016.

Across 123 measured 3-spined stickleback, the median measured length was 4.1 cm.

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

See 3-spined stickleback records across England →

Most recent observation8 April 2026Ratcliffe Bridge
Largest measured 3-spined stickleback
5.5 cm
Median length
4.1 cm
Fish measured
123
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.

LengthSurvey dateSurvey locationSurvey ID
5.5 cm26 Apr 2016Polesworth148106
5.5 cm3 Apr 2014Leathermill140644
5.3 cm3 Apr 2014Leathermill140644
5.2 cm7 Apr 2016Leathermill147954
5.1 cm3 Apr 2014Leathermill140644
5.1 cm18 Apr 2013Leathermill135911
5 cm3 Apr 2014Leathermill140644
5 cm3 Apr 2014Leathermill140644
5 cm3 Apr 2014Leathermill140644
5 cm23 Apr 2013Ratcliffe Bridge135931

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 surveyedFirst recordedLast recordedVisits finding 3-spined stickleback
Ratcliffe Bridge10 Mar 20048 Apr 202618
Amington Hall - Netting25 Sept 202525 Sept 20251
Fieldon Bridge4 Jun 19968 Apr 202515
Leathermill1 Oct 20023 Apr 202513
Stationfields, Tamworth15 Apr 201426 Apr 20183
Weddington5 Jul 200525 Apr 20172
Anker Bridge11 Sept 20126 Sept 20162
Polesworth28 Jan 199726 Apr 20166

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

1996–2026

Survey records by year

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

Fish measured by surveyors

Measured length distribution

See how the 123 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
2.2 cm
Lower quarter
3.4 cm
Median
4.1 cm
Upper quarter
4.5 cm
Largest
5.5 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

More fish in this river

Explore the River Anker

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

Roach Perch Gudgeon Chub Stone loach Minnow

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 →