Balon's ruffe
Donaukaulbarsch ( Gymnocephalus baloni )
The Donaukaulbarsch ( Gymnocephalus baloni ) is a freshwater fish that lives endemic in the lower reaches of the Danube and its tributaries.
Features
The Donaukaulbarsch reaches a body length of up to 21 centimeters and has a stocky and high-backed body with a blunt snout and mouth terminated. He strongly resembles the ruffe (G. cernuus ), from which it is distinguished by a significantly higher back and a gedrungeneren body. The coloring is metallic gray to irregular and, unlike those of the more vertically oriented Kaulbarschs spots. The front part of the clear two-part dorsal fin is bluish-colored with dark spots, the first ray of anal fin usually ends in a free tip. At the edge of the gill cover are up to 4, but usually 2 spines.
Dissemination
The Donaukaulbarsch is endemic in the lower reaches of the Danube and its tributaries. He concludes, in accordance, inter alia in Germany, Bulgaria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Serbia and Slovakia. He lives primarily in rivers, but also occurs in reservoirs and oxbow lakes standing.
Way of life
Over the life of the Donaukaulbarschs very little is known. He probably lives in the area of the river bed and often comes together with the ruffe in the same waters. It is believed that this species is less adaptable to change and is threatened by water flows, and water pollution.