THE THBEE-SPINED STICKLEBACK. 
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Most of them build nests quite elaborately — which the male defends with great spirit. They 
inhabit the fresh waters and arms of the sea in Northern Europe and America. 
The Nine-spihed Stickleback {Gasterosteus pungitius) is a form equally known in the 
northern parts of Europe and America, found in both fresh and salt water. Eight other species 
are known in American waters. The following account of European species discloses the habits 
of nest-building, and other habits that apply equally to American forms. 
The Three- spiked Stickleback, a very common fish, is also known under the names of 
Tittlebat, Pricklefisii, and Sharplih. 
THREE-SPINED STICKLEBACK AND FIETEEN-SPINED STICKLEBACK, WITH NEST. — Gasterosteus aculeatus 
and Gasterosteus spinachia. (Natural Size.) 
It is a most bold and lively little fish, hardly knowing fear, pugnacious to an absurd 
degree, and remarkably interesting in its habits. Even more voracious than the perch, it 
lendeis great seivice to mankind in keeping within due bounds the many aquatic and terrestrial 
insects, which, although performing their indispensable duties in the world, are so extremely 
prolific, that they would render the country uninhabitable were they allowed to increase with- 
out some check. 
So voracious and fearless indeed is this little creature that it always forms the earliest game 
of the juvenile angler, who need not trouble himself in the least about the temper of his hooks, 
the fineness of his tackle, or the delicate balance of his float. Any one can catch a Stickle- 
back without rod, float, or even hook. All that is needful is to repair to the nearest streamlet, 
armed with a yard or two of thread and a walking-stick. Thin twine will answer very well 
instead of the thread, and even the stick is not absolutely needed. Having proceeded thus 
