also: はりうお
noun
Gasterosteus microcephalus (species of stickleback)
A small freshwater fish native to Japan, often called the 'smallhead stickleback' in English. The name ハリヨ is the standard common name.
ハリヨは滋賀県の固有種です。
The hariyo is a species endemic to Shiga Prefecture.
ハリヨのオスは繁殖期に美しい婚姻色を見せる。
Male hariyo display beautiful nuptial coloration during the breeding season.
Kanji spelling is rare; the katakana form ハリヨ is standard.
Alternate reading; the katakana form ハリヨ is the usual representation.
イトヨ (Gasterosteus aculeatus) is a more widespread stickleback species, while ハリヨ is a distinct species with a limited range.
The name ハリヨ likely derives from 針 (はり, 'needle') referring to the dorsal spines, and 魚 (うお/よ, 'fish'). The exact derivation is uncertain.