Fin's Fish Guide
The Balon's ruffe (Gymnocephalus baloni) is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Fresh water of the Danube basin in Central and Eastern Europe, in slow- to moderately flowing rivers with sandy and gravel bottoms.
Description
Balon's ruffe is a perch-like bottom fish of the family Percidae reaching about 15 cm. It closely resembles the common ruffe but has a deeper, stockier body; the yellow-brown body is covered with dark spots and bears a continuous, spiny dorsal fin. The species lives in the fresh water of the Danube drainage in central and eastern Europe, in slow to moderately flowing rivers and connected waters with sand and gravel bottoms. Mainly at night it searches the bottom for insect larvae, small crustaceans, worms and fish eggs, finding food with well-developed sensory canals on the head. In spring it spawns on sand and gravel, where the eggs stick to the substrate. The species was only recognised as separate from the common ruffe in the 1970s.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Balon's ruffe?
The Balon's ruffe has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Perch-like bottom fish resembling the ruffe, with a deep, stocky body, small dark blotches and a continuous, spiny dorsal fin.
Where does the Balon's ruffe live?
The Balon's ruffe lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of the Danube basin in Central and Eastern Europe, in slow- to moderately flowing rivers with sandy and gravel bottoms.
How big does the Balon's ruffe get?
The Balon's ruffe grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Balon's ruffe dangerous to humans?
No, the Balon's ruffe is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Balon's ruffe edible?
The Balon's ruffe is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Gymnocephalus
More from the family Percidae
Want the complete picture on the Balon's ruffe?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Balon's ruffe is one of 12,519 species in the app.