RiverFish

3-spined stickleback · Gasterosteus aculeatus

3-spined stickleback in the River Deben (Main Reaches)

Largest measured 3-spined stickleback: 5.3 cm

The largest 3-spined stickleback measured in Environment Agency surveys of the River Deben (Main Reaches) was 5.3 cm, recorded at Upstream Kettleburgh on 19 April 2016.

Across 295 measured 3-spined stickleback, the median measured length was 3.4 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 Deben (Main Reaches).

See 3-spined stickleback records across England →

Most recent observation21 April 2026Upstream Cretingham · 2 fish
Largest measured 3-spined stickleback
5.3 cm
Median length
3.4 cm
Fish measured
295
Survey locations
7

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
5.3 cm19 Apr 2016Upstream Kettleburgh148014
5.3 cm15 Apr 2016Upstream Cretingham148013
5.2 cm19 Apr 2016Upstream Kettleburgh148014
5 cm15 Apr 2016Upstream Cretingham148013
4.9 cm18 Sept 2025Crettingham Fry Survey179292
4.9 cm26 Sept 2024Ufford Hole Fry Survey168951
4.9 cm19 Apr 2024Upstream Cretingham164870
4.8 cm18 Sept 2025Crettingham Fry Survey179292
4.8 cm18 Sept 2025Crettingham Fry Survey179292
4.8 cm26 Sept 2024Ufford Hole Fry Survey168951

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
Upstream Cretingham7 Apr 200421 Apr 20265
White Womans Lane Fry Survey26 Sept 202419 Sept 20252
Ufford Hole Fry Survey26 Sept 202419 Sept 20252
Crettingham Fry Survey25 Sept 202418 Sept 20252
Upstream Kettleburgh27 Apr 201019 Apr 20162
Ufford30 Apr 201030 Apr 20101
Doves Farm5 Feb 19985 Feb 19981

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

1998–2026

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 295 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
1.6 cm
Lower quarter
2.8 cm
Median
3.4 cm
Upper quarter
4 cm
Largest
5.3 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

More fish in this river

Explore the River Deben (Main Reaches)

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

Roach Pike European eel Perch Stone loach Dace

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 →