RiverFish

3-spined stickleback · Gasterosteus aculeatus

3-spined stickleback in the River Otter Sites

Largest measured 3-spined stickleback: 5.7 cm

The largest 3-spined stickleback measured in Environment Agency surveys of the River Otter Sites was 5.7 cm, recorded at Royston (Sp) on 14 June 2016.

Across 35 measured 3-spined stickleback, the median measured length was 4.3 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 Otter Sites.

See 3-spined stickleback records across England →

Most recent observation18 July 2025Tipton St John playing field (WFD) · 4 fish
Largest measured 3-spined stickleback
5.7 cm
Median length
4.3 cm
Fish measured
35
Survey locations
5

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
5.7 cm14 Jun 2016Royston (Sp)148243
5.4 cm14 Jun 2016Monkton (Sp)148245
5.3 cm14 Jun 2016Monkton (Sp)148245
5.3 cm14 Jun 2016Monkton (Sp)148245
5.2 cm30 Jun 2016Upstream Colhayes Bridge (Dip)148329
5.2 cm14 Jun 2016Monkton (Sp)148245
5 cm15 Jun 2016Otterton Bridge (Dip/WFD)148240
5 cm14 Jun 2016Monkton (Sp)148245
4.9 cm14 Jun 2016Royston (Sp)148243
4.8 cm31 Aug 2016Tipton St John playing field (WFD)149099

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
Tipton St John playing field (WFD)31 Aug 201618 Jul 20252
Otterton Bridge (Dip/WFD)15 Jun 201621 Jun 20232
Monkton (Sp)14 Jun 201615 Jun 20232
Royston (Sp)23 May 20118 Jun 20233
Upstream Colhayes Bridge (Dip)23 May 20117 Jun 20233

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

2011–2025

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 35 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
2.2 cm
Lower quarter
3.5 cm
Median
4.3 cm
Upper quarter
4.9 cm
Largest
5.7 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

More fish in this river

Explore the River Otter Sites

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

Brown / sea trout Bullhead European eel Stone loach Minnow 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 →