Rudd

Scardinius erythrophthalmus

An upturned mouth and red fins stand out above golden flanks.

Length and basis: Typical adult TL unknown
Reference temperature: Unknown
Captive lifespan: Unknown (no verified lifespan adopted)
pH: Unknown
Hardness: Unknown

Plants and fish eggs may be eaten, and reproduction can increase pond numbers.

Appearance and identification

Rudd often feed near the surface. Yellow-gold eyes, an upturned mouth and a dorsal origin behind the pelvic fins are useful cues. They can resemble roach, and hybrids occur. Golden trade forms do not add species.

Same-species behaviour

No minimum group number is adopted; monitor numbers and resource competition after reproduction.

Space requirements

Provide pond vegetation and open water; minimum area and the associated population are unverified.

Diet and feeding

Provide appropriately sized food reflecting its mixed invertebrate and plant diet.

Compatibility limits

Small animals and fish eggs may be eaten; overlapping temperatures do not establish compatibility.

Aquarium environment

Can be viewed in planted ponds, but may graze duckweed and other vegetation.

Measurement notes and sources

Canal & River Trust lists 30 cm without SL/TL or an adult statistic; retained as an attributed observation.

canalrivertrust.org.uk ↗ 2026-10-22

www.fishkeeper.co.uk ↗ 2026-10-22

api.gbif.org ↗ 2026-10-22