Three Spined Stickleback : Japan Nature Conservation Series XII

A postage stamp on the Nature Conservation Series “Three–spined stickleback” :

Issued by Japan

Issued on Sep 16, 1976

Issued for : As the 12^th of the Nature Conservation Series a 50 yen postage stamp will be issued depicting “Three Spined Stickleback”.

Colour : Multicolour

Type : Stamp, Postal Used

Denomination : 50 Yen

Printing Process : Photogravure & Engraved

Perforation : 13

About : 

• The stickleback (Gastrosteus aculeatus aculeatus) is a fresh water fish. Upstream species, measuring about 8cm long, live in the sea removing at the breeding season upstream to spawn and landlocked species inhabit the fresh water through life. In Europe and North America its distribution is wide and extensive, but in Japan quite limited within the northern part of the country. It has in front of its dorsal fin three hard needle-like spines separated from one another. The female lays eggs in the nest built by the male with seaweed at the bottom of the water. The male feeds the larvae and guards the nest. This is the mode of life peculiar to the stickleback.
• “Honganjozu, breeding place of the landlock species” in Ono City, Fukui Prefecture was designated as a natural monument on May 1, 1934.