This is the Northwest's most widespread frog. They inhabit rocks and shrubs near water and are active both day and night, year-round at the Sanctuary. The second largest coastal estuary in California, Humboldt Bay supports a unique assemblage of over 100 species of fish. While human influence in the Bay has impacted the fish population through habitat loss and fishery management, the fish population is still diverse. Most of the fish in Humboldt bay are not fished commercially.
Some fish live in the Bay their entire lives, while others use it for breeding grounds.
This is the most common fish in Buther's Slough. It prefers shallow brackish water, butmay also be found in open areas on HUmboldt Bay. Only growing to a size of 10 centimeters, these fish use spines on their backs and fins to protect themselves from predators. If a larger fish or bird attempt to eat a stickleback, it will erect its spines, preventing the predator from swallowing this spiky meal. They spawn in eelgrass beds, laying their eggs on the eelgrass blades.