Fin's Fish Guide
The Ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernua) is a brackish-water fish of the family Percidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Widespread in fresh and slightly brackish water of Europe and North Asia, in rivers, canals and lakes.
Description
The ruffe is a small perch relative of the family Percidae reaching about 25 cm but usually smaller. The stout, yellow-brown body bears dark spots and very slimy skin; unlike the perch, the spiny and soft dorsal fins are joined into one continuous fin. Sharp spines stand on the gill cover and head. The species lives in schools on the bottom of rivers, canals and lakes of Europe and northern Asia, including slightly brackish water, and tolerates turbid, nutrient-rich water well. Mainly at night it hunts midge larvae, worms, crustaceans and fish eggs. In introduced areas such as the North American Great Lakes it is considered invasive.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Ruffe?
The Ruffe has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small perch-like fish with a continuous spiny and soft dorsal fin, dark blotches and a very slimy skin.
Where does the Ruffe live?
The Ruffe lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Widespread in fresh and slightly brackish water of Europe and North Asia, in rivers, canals and lakes.
How big does the Ruffe get?
The Ruffe grows to a maximum of about 25 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Ruffe dangerous to humans?
No, the Ruffe is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Ruffe edible?
The Ruffe is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Ruffe and live in the same waters.
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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
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Ruffe is one of 12,519 species in the app.