Ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernua)

Scientific name: Gymnocephalus cernua Linnaeus, 1758

Ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernua)

The Ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernua) is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 10–20°C (50–68°F).

Ruffe care at a glance

Temperature
10–20°C (50–68°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 11 - 19; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-16; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 5 - 6; Vertebrae: 35 - 36. Distinguished uniquely from its congeners by its body depth 24-27% SL. Differs further from other members of the genus by the combination of having a flank yellowish with numerous, small, irregular, dark blotches and having 11-16 dorsal spines. Caudal fin with 16 to 17 rays. Dorsal fins are fused. Color brownish with dark spots.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Gymnocephalus cernua
Family
Percidae (Perches)
Order
Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
25.0
Common length
12.0
Depth range
10 m (33 ft)
Environment
Freshwater; brackish;; pH range: 7.0 - 7.5; dH range: 8 - 12 demersal; potamodromous; depth range 10 - ? m
Climate
Temperate
Distribution
Europe: Caspian, Black, Baltic and North Sea basins; Great Britain; north to about 69? N in Scandinavia. Asia: Aral Sea basin, Arctic Ocean basin eastward to Kolyma drainage. Several countries report adverse ecological impact after introduction.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans
Potential pest
Uses
Fisheries: minor commercial; gamefish: yes; bait: usually
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (K=0.4-0.48; tm=1-2)

Sources

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

Last updated