Stichaeus is a genus of marine ray-finned fishes belonging to the family Stichaeidae, the pricklebacks or shannies.

[3] Stichaeus contains 6 extant species and 2 known extinct species, as follows:[4][5][6] † means extinct The genus name, Stichaeus means "to set in a row", and is presumed to refer to the row of 5 or 6 circular spots on the dorsal fin.

[7] Stichaeus species have moderately elongated, laterally compressed bodies which are covered in tiny cycloid scales, although the head is scaleless.

The head has a number of sensory canals which are made up of pores and are used to sense vibrations.

The single lateral line does not reach the caudal fin and appears to be an extension of the post orbital sensory canal.