The Balon's ruffe (Gymnocephalus baloni) is a freshwater fish of the family Percidae that grows up to 15 cm.
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.
Where does the Balon's ruffe live?
The Balon's ruffe lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
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.
Is the Balon's ruffe edible?
The Balon's ruffe is rarely eaten.
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Status & sources
Same genus Gymnocephalus
More from the family Percidae
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