An aggressive little fish is threatening to disturb ecosystems throughout the Great Lakes.
The Eurasian Ruffe is recognizable by its long spiny dorsal fin and frowning mouth. It’s native to Northern Europe and Asia, and made its first appearance in Lake Superior in the 1980s, probably after catching a ride on a freighter from Europe.
The quickly-reproducing fish has become abundant in areas of Lake Superior, where it can out-compete native species for food and habitat. And now, it’s found in Lakes Huron and Michigan too.
Anglers can help prevent the spread by cleaning boats and fishing gear before entering new waters, and by never using the invasive fish as bait.
Get Schooled:
- Check out the State of Michigan’s strategy for managing the Eurasian Ruffe.
- Learn more about where this species has invaded with this interactive distribution map.
- Find out what you can do to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
The fine print:
- This segment was produced in partnership with Cornell University’s Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future