Ruffe
D-Kaulbarsch; GB-Ruffe; DK-Hork; PL-Jazgarz; LT-Pūgžlys; LV-Ķīsis; EST-Kiisk; RU-Обыкновенный ёрш; FIN-Kiiski; S-Gärs
Characters
1) One dorsal fin with indentation and with spines in anterior part.
2) Many smal black spots on dorsal and anal fins.
●) Body yellowish to brown; back greenish to grey.
Usually about 12 cm, max. up to 25 cm length.
Similar species
Perch - two dorsal fins; black spot on hind edge of first dorsal fin; with black stripes on the body sides.
Biology
Lives mainly in slow flowing rivers and in the Baltic Sea; also in muddy waters. Reproduction time from April to May; eggs are layed into a pothole on the ground and are defended by the parents. Reaching sexual maturity with 1 to 2 years.Diet
Feeds on insect larvae, fish fry, worms and crustaceans.Importance
Foodfish, but due to small body size of little importance; partially regarded as pest.Endangerment
Not endangered.Gymnocephalus cernua
