Fisheries and Oceans Canada
www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Common menu bar links
Species - Details
Ernie Cooper
Scientific name:
Gasterosteus sp.
Taxonomy:
Fishes (freshwater)
Status:
Endangered, listed under SARA
Region: British Columbia
Did You Know?
There are two types of three-spine Enos Lake sticklebacks – the limnetic and the benthic. This fish is of interest to scientists because of the way the limnetic and its benthic counterpart have influenced the evolution of each other. It is believed that sometime in their evolutionary history, one of the pair invaded the territory of the other, eventually forcing it down into the benthic—or lake sediment—layer.
Canada's Species at Risk Act - limnetic Enos lake stickleback
At a glance
Restricted to a single, small lake on Vancouver Island, limnetic Enos Lake sticklebacks are experiencing a decline in numbers. Introduction of exotic species of fish that feed on the stickleback could be impacting population numbers negatively, as might increasing urban and industrial development.
About the limnetic Enos Lake stickleback
The limnetic Enos Lake stickleback has adapted in many ways to equip itself for life close to the water’s surface. For example, the fish has evolved longer gill rakers than its benthic sister. Limnetic sticklebacks are generally pelagic plankton feeders, meaning they eat microscopic organisms, such as zooplankton.
Ernie Cooper
Where the limnetic Enos Lake sticklebacks live
The limnetic Enos Lake stickleback is restricted to a small lake on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The lake has highly productive benthic and pelagic layers. The climate in the area is hot and dry in the summer and cool and wet in winter.
Why it’s at risk
The Enos Lake stickleback has extremely limited distribution, and the fish is sensitive to fluctuating water levels and toxic contaminants. Urban development might also be impacting stickleback population numbers negatively, as might introduction of non-native fish. Exotic species such as catfish and pumpkinseeds are spreading on Vancouver Island.
What’s being done
The limnetic Enos Lake stickleback is listed as endangered and protected under the Species at Risk Act (SARA).
Development and implementation of a recovery plan could lead to management measures and the identification and protection of critical habitat. Management measures will be developed through the recovery planning process and implemented only after intensive consultation. Potential protective measures may include:
- changes to water and land use, and
- control of water quality and quantity.
Consult the Recovery Strategy for limnetic Enos Lake stickleback :
Recovery Strategy for , Enos Lake, and Vananda Creek Stickleback Species Pairs (Gasterosteus spp.) in Canada (2006)
What can you do?
The limnetic Enos Lake stickleback will get the protection it needs only if all Canadians work together to reduce threats. Find out more about Enos Lake sticklebacks and be aware of man-made threats. Do your best to reduce these threats wherever possible to better protect the stickleback’s critical habitat. Get involved with the Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk (HSP) or another conservation organization.
