Danube ruffe (Gymnocephalus baloni)

Scientific name: Gymnocephalus baloni Holc?k & Hensel, 1974

The Danube ruffe (Gymnocephalus baloni) is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 10–20°C (50–68°F). Native range: Europe, Danube (from delta to Germany) and Dniepr (from delta to Kiev) drainages; expected in Dniestr. In Appendix III of the Bern Convention (protected fauna).

Danube ruffe care at a glance

Temperature: 10–20°C (50–68°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 14 - 16. Distinguished uniquely from its congeners by its body depth, 27-30% SL. Differs further from other species of the genus by the combination of the following characters: flank grey with a few large, irregular, dark blotches; and dorsal fin with 14-16 spines.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Gymnocephalus baloni
Family: Percidae (Perches)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 15.0
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 6.8 - 7.8; dH range: 10 - 20 benthopelagic
Climate: Temperate
Distribution: Europe: Danube (from delta to Germany) and Dniepr (from delta to Kiev) drainages; expected in Dniestr. In Appendix III of the Bern Convention (protected fauna).
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries:
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Last updated 27 September 2026