Rudd  (Scardinus erythrophthalmus)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Description

This fish is often confused with the roach (Rutilus rutilus), as the two species are similar in appearance (2). In the rudd, the dorsal fin is situated further back than in the roach. Another key difference between the two is that the rudd has a keel on the belly, whereas in the roach the belly is rounded (2). The rudd has a bluish green back with silvery-white sides and belly. The dorsal fin and pectoral fins are greyish with a reddish tint and all the other fins are bright red (2); it is this feature that the seventeenth century name ‘rudd’ refers to (4).

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