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A review of Ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus) life history in its native versus non-native range (journal article)
Citation:
Gutsch, M. AND J. Hoffman. A review of Ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus) life history in its native versus non-native range (journal article). REVIEWS IN FISH BIOLOGY AND FISHERIES. Springer, New York, NY, 26(2):213-233, (2016).
Impact/Purpose:
: A major limitation to understanding the potential impact of biological invasions is a lack of a comprehensive understanding of the biology and ecology of the invading species. This study presents a comprehensive review of the biology and ecology of an invasive fish of management concern to the Laurentian Great Lakes. It provides new information regarding the geographic extent of the fish’s native range, characterizes biological and ecological differences between the native and non-native range, and identifies important knowledge gaps for understanding the fish’s invasion ecology.
Description:
Ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus) have caused and have the potential to cause great ecological damage as invasive species in North America, parts of the European Union, Scandinavian countries, and the United Kingdom. The objectives of this review are to define the Ruffe's native and non-native range, examine the life history requirements of Ruffe, explore the Ruffe life cycle, and differentiate between the life stages. We compare Ruffe in their native range to Ruffe in their non-native range to determine if there are any differences in habitat, size, age, genotype, or migratory patterns in the winter. Literature from both the native and non-native ranges of Ruffe, with a particular emphasis on rare translated literature, is used. Ruffe have variability and plasticity in their chemical, physical, biological, and habitat requirements in their native and non-native ranges. Adult Ruffe have a suite of characteristics that make them adaptable to novel environments, including age and size at maturity, maximum age and length (and/ or weight), reproduction type, genotype, feeding habits, seasonal movements, and spawning movements. There is variability among these characteristics seen between the Ruffe's native, non-native North American, and European non-native populations. Based on the Ruffe's variable life history strategies and their recent range expansion, all of the Great Lakes and many other regions in the U.K., Europe, and Scandinavian countries could be vulnerable to a Ruffe invasion, making early detection and rapid response important throughout these systems.
