Ogle, D.H., 1998. A Synopsis of the Biology and Life History of Ruffe, Northland College.

Reprinted from Journal of Great Lakes Research (1998) 24(2): 170-185

A Synopsis of the Biology and Life History of Ruffe

Abstract
The ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus), a Percid native to Europe and Asia, has recently been introduced in North America and new areas of Europe. A synopsis of the biology and life history of ruffe suggests a great deal of variability exists in these traits. Morphological characters vary across large geographical scales, within certain water bodies, and between sexes. Ruffe can tolerate a wide variety of conditions including fresh and brackish waters, lacustrine and lotic systems, depths of 0.25 to 85 m, montane and submontane areas, and oligotrophic to eutrophic waters. Age and size at maturity differ according to temperature and levels of mortality. Ruffe spawn on a variety of substrates, for extended periods of time. In some populations, individual ruffe may spawn more than once per year. Growth of ruffe is affected by sex, morphotype, water type, intraspecific density, and food supply. Ruffe feed on a wide variety of foods, although adult ruffe feed predominantly on chironomid larvae. Interactions (i.e., competition and predation) with other species appear to vary considerably between systems.  

Entire Paper
Contact: Derek Ogle, Northland College, Department of Mathematics, Ashland, WI 54806
Keywords: Ruffe, Basic_biology, Nonindigenous
Product Type: Publications, Reports
User Type: General