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Three-spine stickleback
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Gasterosteiformes
Family:	Gasterosteidae
Genus:	Gasterosteus
Species:	G. aculeatus
Binomial name
Gasterosteus aculeatus Linneaus 1758

Introduction

The Blackside darter (Percina maculata) is a widespread inhabitant of streams and rivers in the Mississippi River watershed. Like other darters it prefers rocky riffles and sandy runs, but is tolerant of pools and still water as well . It's name comes from Latin for "little perch" (Percina) and "spotted" (maculata), a reference to the dark markings on its side that also gives it its common name. They reach a typical size of 3 - 3.5 inches (70 - 90 mm) but can grow larger than 4 inches (110mm) in exceptional cases Spawning occurs in late May to early July in Minnesota over fine gravel or sand once the female reaches 2 years of age. They are important predators of small crustaceans and insects, but have no commercial value.

Distribution of Gasterosteus aculeatus (Three-spine stickleback) in North America, from USGS NAS web site

Diet

The Blackside darter mainly feeds on insects, like mayflies and midge larve but has also been know to ingest other small fish and plant material. Blackside darters will also eat small crustatians and other small aquatic animals. But Blackside darters are not the same as stickleback, so the accompanying image and taxobox are irrelevant.