Särkisillä

Särkisillä is a Finnish term that translates to "on the roach" or "on the ruffe" in English. It refers to the presence of a ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus), a small, spiny freshwater fish, in a particular body of water or as a significant component of a fish population. Ruffes are commonly found in lakes, rivers, and brackish waters across Europe and parts of Asia.

The presence of särkisillä can indicate certain ecological conditions. Ruffes are often found in areas with muddy or sandy bottoms and can tolerate a range of water quality, although they prefer relatively clear water. They are known to be opportunistic feeders, consuming small invertebrates and fish eggs. In some regions, ruffes can become very abundant, leading to the term särkisillä being used to describe such situations.

While ruffes are edible, they are not typically a primary target for commercial fishing due to their small size and bony structure. However, they can be caught by anglers and are sometimes consumed locally. In ecosystems where ruffes are abundant, they can play a role in the food web, serving as prey for larger fish and birds, and competing with other small fish species for food resources. The term särkisillä, therefore, can be a simple descriptor of a fish community or an indicator of ecological dynamics within a freshwater environment.