Ruffe, Gymnocephalus cernuus: Newly Introduced in North America

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• Main Authors: Pratt, Dennis M., Blust, William H., Selgeby, James H.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1992
• Subjects: Eurasian ruffe; Gymnocephalus cernuus
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/f92-179; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/f92-179

The Eurasian ruffe, Gymnocephalus cernuus, was collected from the lower St. Louis River, Lake Superior's westernmost tributary, in late summer 1987. This is the first known occurrence of the ruffe in North America. The likely vector for this species was ballast water of a transoceanic vessel dumped into the international port of Duluth-Superior located on the lower end of the St. Louis River. The ruffe is increasing in abundance and expanding its range into other tributaries and nearshore areas of Lake Superior.