Species FishRuffe

Ruffe

Gymnocephalus cernua

CommonFish
Illustration of Ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernua)

The Ruffe is a small, spiny fish with a mottled brown and yellow body, making it well-adapted to blend into its environment. A memorable fact is that it has a unique ability to tolerate low oxygen levels in water.

Habitat
Prefers freshwater lakes and rivers.
Diet
Feeds on small invertebrates and zooplankton.
How common
Common

Recent Ruffe sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Ruffe? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Ruffe is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love fish? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More fish

Rusty Blenny
Rusty Blenny
Parablennius sanguinolentus
Rusty Parrotfish
Rusty Parrotfish
Scarus ferrugineus
Sablefish
Sablefish
Anoplopoma fimbria
Sabre Squirrelfish
Sabre Squirrelfish
Sargocentron spiniferum
Sacramento Pikeminnow
Sacramento Pikeminnow
Ptychocheilus grandis
Saddle Butterflyfish
Saddle Butterflyfish
Chaetodon ephippium
Saddle Wrasse
Saddle Wrasse
Thalassoma duperrey
Saddled Seabream
Saddled Seabream
Oblada melanurus