Schraetzer (Gymnocephalus schraetser)

Scientific name: Gymnocephalus schraetser Linnaeus, 1758

The Schraetzer (Gymnocephalus schraetser) is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 4–18°C (39–64°F). Native range: Europe, Danube drainage. In Appendix III of the Bern Convention (protected fauna).

Schraetzer care at a glance

Temperature: 4–18°C (39–64°F)

Biology

Occurs in groups in open sand and mud bottom of large rivers with moderate current. Larvae are benthic. Usually crepuscular but feeds also at daytime. Nocturnal, feeding on small invertebrates, especially molluscs.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Gymnocephalus schraetser
Family: Percidae (Perches)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 30.0
Common length: 15.0
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 7.0 - 7.5; dH range: 10 - 15 demersal
Climate: Temperate
Distribution: Europe: Danube drainage. In Appendix III of the Bern Convention (protected fauna).
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: of no interest; gamefish: yes; bait: usually
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (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