Rudd 8-10 cm - Scardinius erythrophthalmus

The rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus) is also known as roach, roach or roach lead. The laterally strongly flattened and 20-30 cm, in exceptional cases also 40 cm large becoming attractive pond fish are relatives of the carp fish. Rudd can live up to 20 years. The fins of the rudd are bright red, the body is covered with silvery scales. Young rudd do not have red fins. Rudd have a yellow-brown iris in the eye, which distinguishes them from the rather similar looking roach, as does the relatively far back set dorsal fin.

Rudd like to show themselves near the water surface, especially in summer, where they eat approach food. They also like to eat mosquito larvae in the garden pond. However, as omnivores, rudd also like to nibble on algae and soft plant tissue. They may also eat aquatic plants if they have tender foliage. Snails, worms and other small animals in the pond are also readily eaten. If the pond is well planted and large enough, rudd in the garden pond usually do not need supplemental food, but they can be fed goldfish food with some plant content if this does become necessary.

A large, well-planted garden pond with 1000 liters per rudd and at least 1.30-1.50 m pond depth is well suited for keeping these beautiful pond fish. In such a deep pond the native rudd can overwinter without any problems. An ice-free holder ensures that the pond does not freeze over completely in winter, so that sufficient oxygen still diffuses into the water. The rudd hibernate in the mud at the bottom of the pond. When the water quality decreases, the rudd loses its color. It then becomes pale. Water quality in the pond can benefit greatly from the use of a proper pond filter, as well as good pond planting.

As a schooling fish, rudd need a group of 5-10 conspecifics - golden rudd can also live in the school. Shallow water zones at the edge take rudd gladly for spawning. The female sticks up to 200,000 eggs to the plant stems. Breeding rudd in the garden pond is thus relatively easy.