Three Spined Stickleback

Aptly named, the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) does in fact have three spines that stick out of its back. The fish uses their spines for protection against predators such as birds and other fish. Three-spined sticklebacks are native to Strawberry Creek and were reintroduced during the Strawberry Creek Restoration Program that started in 1987. The offspring of the original fish that were reintroduced still live there today. One fun fact about these fish is that when the males begin to search for a mate, they turn red!