Rudd

Common Name: Rudd
Scientific Name: Scardinius erythrophthalmus
Origin: Eurasia

Description

The rudd is a somewhat stocky, deep-bodied fish with a forked tail. The mouth is distinct, with a steeply angled protruding lower lip. The scales are robustly marked, the back is dark greenish-brown and the sides are brassy yellow, tapering to a whitish belly. The pectoral, pelvic and anal fins are bright reddish-orange, and the dorsal and tail fins are reddish-brown.

Habitat

Rudd inhabit weedy shoreline areas of lakes and rivers, and can adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions.

Threat

The impact of the rudd’s introduction is relatively unknown. Rudd are able to breed with the native golden shiner, an important baitfish, creating hybrids which could lead to a loss of genetic diversity in golden shiner populations. Young rudd compete with native species for habitat and food, such as algae and small invertebrates. While adult rudd can eat large amounts of aquatic plants along shorelines, which can degrade spawning and nursery habitat for native fish such as northern pike, muskellunge and yellow perch.

Management

Since young rudd can resemble baitfish, it is important to drain water from bait buckets, bilges and livewells before transporting them to new areas, and to dispose of unwanted live bait in the trash. Be sure to clean and dry all equipment, and never use rudd as bait.

Regional Distribution

Common

WNY PRISM Priority

Tier 4 – Local Control

Invasive Species Priorities – Tier Chart

Pathways

Rudd was primarily introduced through use as a bait fish. They were also introduced to some waters as a potential food source or for sport fishing.

Rudd is a regulated species in New York State – for more information on Prohibited and Regulated Species, visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/99141.html.