The Rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus)

Scientific Name: Scardinius erythrophthalmus
Maximum Weight: 5lb (2.3kg)
Maximum Length: 16-18in (40-45cm)
Average Size Caught: 8oz (227kg)
Life Span: 10-12 Years

The Rudd lives mainly in lowland, slow-flowing waters, but also inhabits the still waters of dams, ponds, pools and lakes. It prefers densely over-grown waters. The Rudd is mainly a surface feeding fish due to its protruding lower lip. It spawns in May and June amongst aquatic plants. The female deposits 80,000-200,000 viscdus eggs in 2 batches on to the plants. The fry hatch after 3-10 days, lying passively hidden in the growth until they have digested the yolk-sac.

Small fish feed on plankton, larger ones mainly on plant food, as well as insects, molluscs and fish fry. The Rudd is an adaptable species. In some densely overgrown and highly acid waters it is often one of the last species to survive in these conditions