Pronunciation: [ɹˈʌf] (IPA) 
The word "Ruffe" is spelled with two F's, but pronounced with a "v" sound at the end. This is because the word has its roots in Old French, where it was spelled "ruf" with a silent final e. When the word was adopted into English, it was spelled with two F's to indicate the pronunciation of the "f" sound at the end. Therefore, the IPA phonetic transcription of "Ruffe" is /rʌf/ with the "v" sound represented by the /f/ at the end.
Ruffe (pronounced rʌf) is a noun that refers to a small European freshwater fish belonging to the family Percidae and the genus Gymnocephalus. The scientific name for this fish is Gymnocephalus cernua. It is also commonly known as the Eurasian ruffe or the Pope.
Ruffes are typically found in temperate freshwater environments, particularly in lakes and rivers across Europe, including the Baltic Sea region. They are known for their elongated and slender bodies, usually reaching a length of around 9 to 14 centimeters (3.5 to 5.5 inches). Their coloration ranges from yellowish olive to brown, with a distinctive mottled pattern on their skin.
In terms of behavior, ruffes are known to be bottom-dwellers, often found in rocky and sandy areas. They are generally diurnal, most active during daylight hours. Their diet primarily consists of small invertebrates, including aquatic insect larvae, crustaceans, and mollusks.
Despite their small size, ruffes have gained attention due to their invasive characteristics in certain regions where they have been introduced. Their ability to adapt to various ecological conditions has led to them becoming a concern for ecosystem balance in some areas outside of their native habitats.
Overall, the ruffe is a small freshwater fish found primarily in Europe, characterized by its slender body, mottled coloration, and bottom-dwelling behavior. While significant efforts are made to manage their presence and impact in certain ecosystems, they remain an important component of some aquatic ecosystems, playing a role in the food chain and providing sport fishing opportunities.
The word "ruffe" is derived from the Middle English word "roe" or "ruf", which means "red" or "reddish". It is believed to have originated from Old Norse, where "hroðfi" or "hroðfr" provided a similar meaning. Eventually, these terms evolved into "ruffe" in English. The name "ruffe" refers to the reddish color often found on the fins and throat of the fish.
