Short Ninespine Stickleback

Pungitius kaibarae

Short Ninespine Stickleback is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerBeginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 6.5 cm (≤ 2.6 in)
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 18–24 °C
pH: 7–7.5
GH: 5–12 dGH
KH: 4–8 dKH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 3 years

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 3 years.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 18–24 °C, pH 7–7.5, GH 5–12 dGH, KH 4–8 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Short Ninespine Stickleback is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Short Ninespine Stickleback should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: China, Japan.

Before adding this fish

Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Armatus Corydoras Corydoras armatus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 6.5 cm (≤ 2.6 in) 22–26 °C Adolfos Catfish Corydoras adolfoi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 6 cm (≤ 2.4 in) 22–26 °C Apollo’s Leporinus Leporinus apollo Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 15 cm (≤ 5.9 in) 20–27 °C Archer Halfbeak Nomorhamphus sagittarius Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 7 cm (≤ 2.8 in) 24–28 °C Bala Shark Balantiocheilos melanopterus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 35 cm (≤ 13.8 in) 22–27 °C Banded Hillstream Loach Pseudogastromyzon changtingensis Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 7.5 cm (≤ 3 in) 18–24 °C

FAQ

How large does Short Ninespine Stickleback get?

Short Ninespine Stickleback reaches ≤ 6.5 cm (≤ 2.6 in).

Is Short Ninespine Stickleback peaceful?

Yes. Short Ninespine Stickleback is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Short Ninespine Stickleback?

Keep it between 18 to 24 °C.