Sticklebacks - are they "protected"

I found large groups of sticklebacks when out today dip netting. I was wondering if I could catch and keep them?

I do have the "collecting" permit, just wanted to know if they are protected, or if they do not fall into this category.

Edited by NVCichlids, 29 April 2010 - 11:31 AM.

i cant find anywhere that they are protected in WI

Below is from WDNR page: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/wlist/

The Wisconsin Natural Heritage Working List contains species known or suspected to be rare in the state and
natural communities native to Wisconsin. It includes species legally designated as "Endangered" or
"Threatened" as well as species in the advisory "Special Concern" category. Most of the species and natural
communities on the list are actively tracked and we encourage data submissions on these species. This list is
meant to be dynamic--it is updated as often as new information regarding the biological status of species
becomes available. The Natural Heritage Program welcomes your input on any aspect of this list.
Wisconsin’s extirpated species list is at the end. Changes from the previous list (12/06) are bolded.

RARE FISHES
AFCAA01020 S Acipenser fulvescens Lake Sturgeon G3G4 S3 SC/H
AFCFA01030 S Alosa chrysochloris Skipjack Herring G5 S1 END
AFCEA01010 S Anguilla rostrata American Eel G4 S2 SC/N
AFCLB01010 Aphredoderus sayanus Pirate Perch G5 S3 SC/N
AFCJB05010 S Clinostomus elongatus Redside Dace G3G4 S3 SC/N
AFCHA01070 S Coregonus kiyi Kiyi G3 S3S4 SC/H
AFCHA01140 S Coregonus zenithicus Shortjaw Cisco G3 S2 SC/H
AFCQC01010 S Crystallaria asprella Crystal Darter G3 S1 END
AFCJC04010 S Cycleptus elongatus Blue Sucker G3G4 S2 THR
AFCJB50050 S Erimystax x-punctatus Gravel Chub G4 S1 END
AFCJC05020 S Erimyzon sucetta Lake Chubsucker G5 S3 SC/N
AFCQC02020 Etheostoma asprigene Mud Darter G4G5 S3 SC/N
AFCQC02120 S Etheostoma chlorosoma Bluntnose Darter G5 S1 END
AFCQC01040 S Etheostoma clarum Western Sand Darter G3 S3 SC/N
AFCQC02450 S Etheostoma microperca Least Darter G5 S3 SC/N
AFCNB04060 S Fundulus diaphanus Banded Killifish G5 S3 SC/N
AFCNB04250 S Fundulus dispar Starhead Topminnow G4 S2 END
AFCGA01010 S Hiodon alosoides Goldeye G5 S2 END
AFCJC07030 S Ictiobus niger Black Buffalo G5 S2 THR
AFCQB11080 S Lepomis megalotis Longear Sunfish G5 S2 THR
AFCJB51040 S Luxilus chrysocephalus Striped Shiner G5 S1 END
AFCJB52080 S Lythrurus umbratilis Redfin Shiner G5 S2 THR
AFCJB53080 S Macrhybopsis aestivalis Shoal Chub G5 S2 THR
AFCJB53040 Macrhybopsis storeriana Silver Chub G5 S3 SC/N
AFCJC10040 S Moxostoma carinatum River Redhorse G4 S2 THR
AFCJC10070 S Moxostoma duquesnei Black Redhorse G5 S1 END
AFCJC10170 S Moxostoma valenciennesi Greater Redhorse G4 S3 THR
AFCJB15010 S Notropis amnis Pallid Shiner G4 S2 END
AFCJB28080 S Notropis anogenus Pugnose Shiner G3 S2 THR
AFCJB28680 S Notropis nubilus Ozark Minnow G5 S2 THR
AFCJB28950 Notropis texanus Weed Shiner G5 S3 SC/N
AFCKA02250 S Noturus exilis Slender Madtom G5 S1 END
AFCJB55010 Opsopoeodus emiliae Pugnose Minnow G5 S3 SC/N
AFCQC04090 S Percina evides Gilt Darter G4 S2 THR
AFCAB01010 S Polyodon spathula Paddlefish G4 S2 THR
AFCHA03020 Prosopium coulteri Pygmy Whitefish G5 S2 SC/N

I also don't see them on the list (assuming you can legally take them). A word of caution from someone who should not have put Brook stickleback in a community tank....They are evil. I like them and they are cool but they will pester and remove fins. IMO you should have them isolated (species only tank).

very very very evil....just put them in a jar and watch them...you can tell they are devils. haha. they even "glide" not swim

how many would you say for a 5.5 gallon? They are just soo stunning!

how many would you say for a 5.5 gallon? They are just soo stunning!

hmmm..in a well planted maybe 2....i mean i think they even fight with eachother

I think I will try 1m with 3females to start as they are plump to breed. I have enough vals to recreate where I found them (overhanging grass in the water.. but the grass will be growing up from the bottom in the tank lol...) Just need to transfer substraigt and I will be set to go!

I'm going to have to get on board with the other fellas and say be careful with this fish. I put one with a tadpole madtom and some white clouds and all was peaceful for a while. With the addition of some new tank mates, it went bananas and attacked anything that moved (except for the white clouds for some reason). Tails were getting shredded left and right. I could hardly believe it. It was then promptly removed and given to a friend who enjoys especially aggressive animals.

they better be alright to keep i caught one yesterday did not notice till i got home

they better be alright to keep i caught one yesterday did not notice till i got home

Just curious Nick, do you have a collecter's permit? In wisconsin, it is illegal to take any fish away alive from any body of water without permits to do so.