Ruffe - Gymnocephalus cernuus

The average size is between 4 and 5 inches but can grow larger. It has quite large eyes and a small, slightly down turned mouth with bristly teeth. The body is an olive green or pale brown colour speckled with dark spots decreasing in size fading to a whitish underbelly. The Ruffe has two dorsal fins that are joined; the forward dorsal fin has sharp spines just like that of the perch and the back fin is made up of soft rays. The gill covers of Ruffe are also sharp and spiny.

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed.

It can be found in fresh or brackish waters, in rivers, canals, lakes and ponds although they seem to prefer slow moving rivers.

All year round.

The Ruffe is generally a shoaling fish and is most active around dawn and dusk feeding on insects, larvae, worms and small fry fish.

Widespread and fairly frequent in England, mainly in an area from London north to north Yorkshire.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.