Stickleback
A small, scaleless fish species
The stickleback is a small, scaleless fish found in the fresh, brackish, and marine waters of the Northern Hemisphere’s temperate regions. These tiny fish grow average 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) in length and include about eight fish species within the Gasterosteidae family. Cousins to the pipefish and seahorse, sticklebacks are identifiable by a row of 2 to 16 spines in front of their dorsal fin.
The three-spined and nine-spined sticklebacks are more commonly seen species, occurring throughout the Northern Hemisphere in fresh and saltwater. The brook and four-spined sticklebacks thrive in the freshwater environments of North America, while the 15-spined stickleback is found off the coasts of the British Isles and northwestern Europe. Check out the map below to find out where sticklebacks are seen at dives sites near you.
Dive sites with this animal Show more on map
★★★★☆ Conestoga Wreck
The largely still intact Conestoga is a 252-ft wreck in Cardinal, Ontario and is an excellent dive for all level, and exceptional night dive site. Easy shore entry leads you to a 25 m-line to the wreck. It is a shallow dive (28 ft approx.) and drift-friendly. Great site to practice a camera.
★★★★☆ Centeen Memorial Dive Park
A popular dive site for all levels of divers, you can see the underwater sculpture placed here with six standing human figures looking up, surrounded at an 18-foot radius by benches at each cardinal point. Two sturgeons point north at 35 feet out, a tribute to a species that was once plentiful in the river.
★★★★☆ Strandpark Slijk Ewijk
A 20-minute drive from the city center of Arnhem you will find this lovely freshwater lake. It has a maximum depth of 36 meters and a slow slope at the entry of the site. It is a great dive site for beginning divers and more advanced divers.
★★★★☆ Put van Ekeren
The well of the Ekeren or Muisbroek domain is an excellent place to conduct training dives. The visibility is usually quite good and there is no current to consider.
★★★★★ Schladitzer See
Besides diving Schladitzer See, there are many activities on the water plus an overnight stay area, restaurant, and beach club. Dive site access is only allowed at the diving center. Please register in advance.
★★★★☆ Galop Island Canal
Entry is a giant stride by the bridge. Coordinate entry to avoid separation. Initial canal depth is 20–25 ft. Prepare to navigate a shallow section (~10 ft) where the Canal connects to the river; it has strong current and boat traffic - stay close to the bottom. Use caution and SMB if appropriate.