RiverFish

3-spined stickleback · Gasterosteus aculeatus

3-spined stickleback in the River Sapiston (Black Bourn)

Largest measured 3-spined stickleback: 6.3 cm

The largest 3-spined stickleback measured in Environment Agency surveys of the River Sapiston (Black Bourn) was 6.3 cm, recorded at Bullbridge on 9 October 1995.

Across 55 measured 3-spined stickleback, the median measured length was 3.9 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 Sapiston (Black Bourn).

See 3-spined stickleback records across England →

Most recent observation22 August 2024Bailey Pool Bridge · 1 fish
Largest measured 3-spined stickleback
6.3 cm
Median length
3.9 cm
Fish measured
55
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
6.3 cm9 Oct 1995Bullbridge30065
6.3 cm19 Apr 1989Bullbridge30036
6.3 cm19 Apr 1989Bullbridge30036
5.8 cm19 Apr 1989Bullbridge30036
5.8 cm19 Apr 1989Bullbridge30036
5.3 cm19 Apr 1989Bullbridge30036
5.3 cm19 Apr 1989Bullbridge30036
5.3 cm3 Apr 1989Sapiston Bridge30041
5.1 cm14 Aug 2012Euston132845
4.8 cm19 Apr 1989Bullbridge30036

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
Bailey Pool Bridge3 Sept 201222 Aug 20242
Bullbridge19 Apr 198921 Aug 20246
Sapiston Bridge3 Apr 19897 Sept 20123
Black Bridge6 Sept 20126 Sept 20121
Ixworth5 Sept 20125 Sept 20121
Micklemere18 Oct 19954 Sept 20124
Euston17 Aug 200914 Aug 20122
US Burnthall Plantation24 Oct 199524 Oct 19951

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

1989–2024

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 55 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
1.5 cm
Lower quarter
2.9 cm
Median
3.9 cm
Upper quarter
4.6 cm
Largest
6.3 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

More fish in this river

Explore the River Sapiston (Black Bourn)

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

Dace Roach Gudgeon Pike Chub European eel

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 →