spantickle n also spannytickle*, spannistickie*, spanicle*, spanny*; sparnytickle*, sparnicle*, sparny*; spawnykettle, spawnytickle*, spawn. LEIM & SCOTT Fishes of Atlantic Coast (1966), p. 181 ~ 'threespine stickleback.' Any of a variety of sticklebacks (Gasterosteus spp); small fish found in fresh or brackish water; PRICKLY: PRICKLEY.
1960 Evening Telegram 4 Aug, p. 3 The new species of sticklebacks (sometimes locally known as 'spantickle' or 'pinfish') were located in different parts of the island. 1966 PADDOCK 93 Spawnykettles, spawns—very small freshwater fish. P 130-67 Spannystickle—small fish about 1½ inches long. They have thorn-like projections on their back. M 69-1 These sparnytickles we would catch and bring home and keep for pets. C 71-110 Sparnytickle or sparny—minnow or a very small trout.
