Description

Dorsal spines (total): 17 - 19. Distinguished uniquely from its congeners by having roundish dark spots on body, mostly in 3 rows, first below dorsal base, and 50-55 + 4-5 scales along lateral line. Can be further separated from other species of the genus by having 17-19 dorsal spines (Ref. 59043).

Common Names

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Teleostei

Order: Perciformes/Percoidei

Family: Percidae

Genus: Gymnocephalus

Species: Gymnocephalus acerina (Gmelin, 1789)

Climate Zone

Biology

Found in flowing waters and lakes with clear water. Also inhabits rapids during summer. Occurs over sand and gravel bottom but prefers hard compact sand. Usually crepuscular but feeds also during daytime. Preys predominantly on benthic invertebrates (crustaceans, insect larvae, molluscs), rarely on fish. Forms small schools. In September, starts forming large schools and moves to deeper places and remains inactive until ice melts. Does not undertake long distance migrations. Spawns in small schools river stretches with heavy current and sand or gravel bottom (Ref.59043).

Habitat

demersal

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Threat to Humans

Harmless