RiverFish

3-spined stickleback · Gasterosteus aculeatus

3-spined stickleback in the River Western Rother

Largest measured 3-spined stickleback: 5.4 cm

The largest 3-spined stickleback measured in Environment Agency surveys of the River Western Rother was 5.4 cm, recorded at Stanbridge on 11 June 2024.

Across 45 measured 3-spined stickleback, the median measured length was 3.5 cm.

Surveyors recorded weights for 23 3-spined stickleback. The median was 0 oz (0.001 kg) and the largest recorded weight was 0.1 oz (0.003 kg).

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

See 3-spined stickleback records across England →

Most recent observation31 July 2025Stanbridge · 9 fish
Largest measured 3-spined stickleback
5.4 cm
Median length
3.5 cm
Fish measured
45
Survey locations
9

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
5.4 cm11 Jun 2024Stanbridge167558
5.2 cm11 Jun 2024Stanbridge167558
5.2 cm27 Jun 2005Stanbridge86709
5 cm29 Jun 2005Woolbeding86739
5 cm27 Jun 2005Stanbridge86709
4.9 cm11 Jun 2024Stanbridge167558
4.8 cm28 Jun 2005Durford Bridge86719
4.7 cm11 Jun 2024Stanbridge167558
4.7 cm11 Jun 2024Stanbridge167558
4.7 cm28 Jun 2005Durford Bridge86719

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
Stanbridge9 Jul 200331 Jul 202510
Woolbeding29 Jun 200519 Jun 20255
Fittleworth Bridge24 Jul 201227 Jul 20223
Terwick Mill7 Jul 200612 Jul 20222
Coultershaw12 Jul 200421 Jul 20164
Upstream Mizzards2 Sept 20142 Sept 20141
Durford Bridge28 Jun 20052 Sept 20143
North Mill Bypass pool22 Jul 200922 Jul 20091
Habin Bridge11 Jul 20035 Jul 20063

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

2003–2025

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 45 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
1.5 cm
Lower quarter
2.5 cm
Median
3.5 cm
Upper quarter
4.5 cm
Largest
5.4 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

Fish weighed by surveyors

Measured weight summary

Recorded weights were available for 23 3-spined stickleback. This is a subset of the measured fish and may not represent the whole population.

Lightest
0 oz (0.001 kg)
Lower quarter
0 oz (0.001 kg)
Median
0 oz (0.001 kg)
Upper quarter
0.1 oz (0.002 kg)
Heaviest
0.1 oz (0.003 kg)

These are direct individual weights recorded by Environment Agency surveyors. Combined bulk weights are not included.

More fish in this river

Explore the River Western Rother

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

European eel Brown / sea trout Bullhead Stone loach Minnow Chub

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 →