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Ruffe
Kaulbarsch
Scientific name: Gymnocephalus cernua
NativeFreshwater
Behavior
A bottom-dwelling fish often found in shoals, preferring plant-rich areas. Lives in nutrient-rich lakes, lowland rivers, and brackish coastal waters. Nocturnal, feeding on bottom-dwelling organisms.
Features
Small, with mildly venomous dorsal fin spines. Insensitive to pollution. Accidentally introduced to Lake Constance in 1987.
Distribution
Widespread from central and northern Europe to Asia. Common in Germany in lakes, canals, and the lagoons (Haffs) of the Baltic coast.