3-spined stickleback · Gasterosteus aculeatus

3-spined stickleback in the Roman River (Headwaters)

Largest measured 3-spined stickleback: 6.4 cm

The largest 3-spined stickleback measured in Environment Agency surveys of the Roman River (Headwaters) was 6.4 cm, recorded at Colchester Zoo on 9 September 2021.

Across 247 measured 3-spined stickleback, the median measured length was 3.8 cm.

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

See 3-spined stickleback records across England →

Most recent observation5 October 2025Colchester Zoo · 8 fish

Largest measured 3-spined stickleback: 6.4 cm
Median length: 3.8 cm
Fish measured: 247
Survey locations: 4

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.

Length	Survey date	Survey location	Survey ID
6.4 cm	9 Sept 2021	Colchester Zoo	160294
6.3 cm	18 Mar 2003	Swan Bridge	79133
6 cm	16 Sept 2024	Colchester Zoo	168810
6 cm	18 Mar 2003	Aldham Hall	79027
5.9 cm	5 Oct 2025	Colchester Zoo	179272
5.9 cm	25 Oct 2023	Colchester Zoo	164462
5.9 cm	22 Jan 1997	Aldham Hall	13388
5.8 cm	5 Oct 2025	Colchester Zoo	179272
5.8 cm	5 Oct 2025	Colchester Zoo	179272
5.7 cm	9 Sept 2021	Colchester Zoo	160294

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 surveyed	First recorded	Last recorded	Visits finding 3-spined stickleback
Colchester Zoo	18 Mar 2003	5 Oct 2025	11
Swan Bridge	23 Jan 1997	5 Feb 2015	3
Aldham Hall	22 Jan 1997	18 Feb 2009	3
Copford Hall	23 Jan 1997	23 Jan 1997	1

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

1997–2025

Survey records by year

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

397

098

099

000

001

002

303

004

005

006

007

008

209

010

011

012

013

014

215

016

117

118

119

020

121

122

123

124

125

Fish measured by surveyors

Measured length distribution

See how the 247 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest: 1.7 cm
Lower quarter: 3.3 cm
Median: 3.8 cm
Upper quarter: 4.5 cm
Largest: 6.4 cm

0–99 mm

247

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

More fish in this river

Explore the Roman River (Headwaters)

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

Stone loach European eel Brown / sea trout Roach Dace 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 →