|
Scardinius erythropthalmus (Rudd)
Animal
Type: Fish
Family: Cyprinidae
Classification: Prohibited
The Rudd is
common to Europe. It prefers shallow weedy areas in lakes and river backwaters,
where mature females lay up to 200,000 eggs on submerged vegetation. Young
Rudd eat zooplankton, aquatic insects, and occasionally other small fish.
Mature Rudd, which are about 18” in length and weigh about 3 pounds,
eat mostly aquatic vegetation. The Rudd can consume up to 40% of their body
weight in vegetation per day, as much as 80% of which is discharged as waste,
releasing nutrients into the water column. They can tolerate a wide range
of temperatures and water conditions, including eutrophic or polluted waters.
In the laboratory Rudd readily hybridize with the U.S. golden shiner (Notemigonus
crysoleucas). They come in both silver and gold, and are sometimes sold as
pond ornamentals.
|
