Listen to the Song – The Little KnightÂ
The complete lyrics are included in the companion book, Our Jewels in the Water, allowing readers to follow every song while learning about Britain’s remarkable freshwater fish.
Enjoying the music?
The companion book Our Jewels in the Water includes the full lyrics, additional stories, exclusive photographs and beautiful illustrations for every species.
The Nine-spined Stickleback
The Little Knight
“Not every guardian stands upon a castle wall. Some keep watch quietly beneath the lilies, wearing nothing more than nature’s tiny suit of armour.”
Species Profile
The Nine-spined Stickleback (Pungitius pungitius) is one of Britain’s smallest and most overlooked freshwater fish. Although closely related to the better-known Three-spined Stickleback, it is generally smaller, more slender and, as its name suggests, carries between eight and twelve sharp dorsal spines, with nine being the most common.
It favours quiet ponds, marshes, drainage ditches, slow-moving streams and the sheltered edges of lakes, where dense aquatic vegetation provides protection from predators.
Despite its tiny size, this remarkable little fish is perfectly adapted to survive in some of Britain’s most peaceful freshwater habitats.
Clive’s Story
Throughout my years of fishing, I’ve often found that the smallest fish can teach us the biggest lessons.
The Nine-spined Stickleback is one of those fish.
Many anglers have probably walked past ponds and quiet backwaters without ever realising this little creature was living among the reeds.
It never sought attention.
It simply carried on with the business of survival.
To me, that quiet determination deserves just as much admiration as any record-breaking carp or mighty salmon.
Natural History
The Nine-spined Stickleback feeds mainly on tiny aquatic insects, crustaceans, larvae and microscopic invertebrates.
Unlike many larger fish, it spends much of its life among submerged plants where it finds both food and shelter.
During the breeding season, the male develops darker colours and carefully builds a small nest from fine plant material, held together with a natural adhesive produced by the fish itself. After attracting a female to lay her eggs, he guards them diligently until they hatch.
Although often hidden from view, this remarkable level of parental care rivals that of many much larger species.
Interesting Facts
- Scientific name: Pungitius pungitius.
- Usually grows to around 5–7 centimetres.
- Possesses between eight and twelve dorsal spines.
- Closely related to the Three-spined Stickleback.
- Lives in ponds, marshes, drains and slow-flowing streams.
- Males build nests and guard the eggs until they hatch.
- Feeds on tiny aquatic invertebrates.
- An excellent indicator of healthy wetland habitats.
Behind the Song
When writing The Little Knight, I wanted listeners to picture this tiny fish quietly patrolling the peaceful waters it calls home.
Its rows of defensive spines resemble a suit of miniature armour, yet behind that protection lies a gentle and fascinating creature.
The song reminds us that courage is not measured by size.
Sometimes the quietest lives are among the bravest.
Conservation
Healthy wetlands are becoming increasingly precious.
Drainage, pollution, habitat loss and changes in water management have reduced many of the quiet ponds and marshes where the Nine-spined Stickleback thrives.
Protecting these habitats benefits countless other species, from dragonflies and amphibians to birds and aquatic plants.
Looking after the smallest fish often means protecting an entire ecosystem.
Clive’s Reflection
As anglers, we naturally admire fish that fight hard or grow to impressive sizes.
Yet every now and then we should pause to appreciate those that simply live unnoticed beneath the surface.
The Nine-spined Stickleback reminds us that greatness is not measured in pounds and ounces.
It is measured by resilience.
By quiet determination.
By surviving, year after year, in places where few people ever stop to look.
To me, that is why this tiny fish will always be The Little Knight.
“The smallest guardians often protect the greatest treasures.”
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