rudd
(Scardinius erythrophthalmus)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Rudd
Scientific Name
Scardinus erythrophthalmus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Appearance
Total length is usually 10-25 cm (approx. 4-10 in.) and up to a maximum of 35 cm (approx. 14 in.). Body has a scaled keel, or ridge, between the pelvic fins and the anus. Mouth is terminal and without barbels. Eyes are large relative to size of the head.
Colour
Colour is brown-green above with brassy yellow to rosy sides and fins are bright orange or red. Eyes have a yellow to orange iris often with a red spot above the pupil.
Habitat
Still or sluggish, often vegetated water, but it can inhabit a variety of freshwater habitats. Commonly occurs near the surface of the water and may thrive in degraded habitats.
Introduced Range
In Ontario: scattered occurrences in Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and the upper St. Lawrence River.
Native Range
Western Europe to the Caspian and Aral Sea basins.
Pathway of Introduction and Spread
First reported in Ontario in 1990. May have invaded from populations in New York State where it was introduced for sport and is cultured and sold as a baitfish. May be unintentionally spread through the use of live baitfish.
Impacts
May compete with native fish species for invertebrate food sources. Will feed on aquatic plants and could alter spawning and nursery sites used by native fish species.
References
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2010. Field Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species, 3rd Edition. Queen's Printer for Ontario. Ontario, Canada.
Queen's Printer for Ontario. 2012. Rudd Fact Sheet. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
- Alberta Fisheries Act
- Idaho Invasive Species Act
- Maryland Aquatic Nuisance Species Plan
- Maryland Invasive Species Council - Invasive Species of Concern in Maryland
- Michigan’s Prohibited and Restricted Species
- Mid-Atlantic Field Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species
- Minnesota DNR invasive species list
- New York Regulated and Prohibited Invasive Species - Regulated
- Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program Tracked Species List
- Pennsylvania's Field Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species
- Wisconsin's Invasive species rule – NR 40
Taxonomic Rank
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Subphylum: Vertebrata |
| Class: Actinopterygii |
| Subclass: Neopterygii |
| Order: Cypriniformes |
| Family: Cyprinidae |
| Genus: Scardinius |
| Subject: Scardinius erythrophthalmus (Linnaeus, 1758) |
References
Common Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.
Scientific Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.