Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Rudd
Scardinius erythrophthalmus
Also called Common rudd, Rotfeder
From Europe and central Asia: rivers north of the Pyrenees and Alps east to the Ural, Aral, Caspian and Black Sea basins12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Deep-bodied, scaled fish
A tall, flattened fish with a keeled belly and an upturned mouth made for picking food off the surface. The dorsal fin starts well behind the pelvic fins, which helps tell it apart from the similar roach.32
Personality what they are like
Peaceful but alert. Rudd move about in shoals near the surface and are quick to scatter at any sudden movement.32
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Active swimmer of the upper water layers, most lively from spring to early autumn and around dawn and dusk. It is quick to dart away when startled.32
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Keep a group in a roomy, well-planted pond with open surface water to patrol. Some countries restrict moving or stocking rudd, so check local rules.32
Home where they are happiest
Clear, still or slow water with lots of plants, such as a well-planted pond. FishBase gives 2 to 22 °C and pH 7.0 to 7.5; it tolerates a wide range of conditions.123
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Young fish eat zooplankton and insects; adults eat mainly algae and water plants, plus insects that fall on the surface.231
Company who they like around
A shoaling fish, so it is happiest kept in a group.3
The story where it all began
The rudd is a common wild fish of European lakes and slow rivers and has long been popular with anglers. It was taken to several other countries, including Ireland, North America and New Zealand, and a golden ornamental form is kept in garden ponds.23
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its upturned mouth lets it feed easily at the surface, a quick way to tell it from the roach.2
- 2
Adult rudd can eat up to about 40% of their body weight in plants in a day.2
- 3
In Switzerland rudd have been found in waters up to 1,800 m above sea level.3
- 4
The Swedish record rudd, caught in 1988, weighed 1.58 kg.3
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Assessed as Least Concern (2022)1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Rudd. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingOnly in the warm seasonevery day
- Pond checkevery day
- Water testevery 2 weeks
- Filter cleanevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Rudd?
Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed daily during the warm season, and reduce or stop in colder months. Young rudd eat zooplankton and insects, while adults take algae and water plants. Always follow the food label and ask a vet for exact amounts.321 Furry Diary plan
What does a Rudd eat, and what should it never eat?
Young rudd eat zooplankton and insects; adults mainly eat algae, water plants, and insects that fall on the surface. Avoid anything not part of their natural pond diet, ask a vet for a safe list. Never feed them bread or processed human foods.321
How much space does a Rudd need?
Rudd need a roomy, well-planted pond with open surface water to patrol. Exact space depends on group size, so consult a good breeder or vet for your setup. A larger pond helps them stay active and healthy.32
What temperature, light or water does a Rudd need?
Keep water clear, still or slow, with lots of plants. Temperature can range from 2 to 22°C and pH between 7.0 and 7.5. Provide natural daylight and avoid sudden changes to keep them comfortable.321
How often should I clean a Rudd's home?
Check the pond daily, test the water every two weeks, and clean the filter monthly as Furry Diary suggests. Adjust frequency based on your pond's size and stocking. Regular care keeps the water healthy. Furry Diary plan
Can a Rudd live with others?
Yes, rudd are shoaling fish and are happiest kept in a group. They are peaceful and can share a pond with other calm, similar-sized fish. Always introduce new fish slowly to avoid stress.3
How long does a Rudd live?
With good care, a rudd can live up to 19 years. Provide a spacious, well-planted pond and stable water conditions to help them reach their full lifespan.21
Can I handle a Rudd?
Rudd are quick to scatter and easily stressed, so it's best not to handle them. Observe them from a distance to keep them calm and healthy. If you must move one, use a soft net and wet hands very gently.32
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Golden Rudd
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FishBase: Scardinius erythrophthalmus fishbase.seused for range, size, age, temperature, pH, diet, IUCN status
- Wikipedia: Common rudd en.wikipedia.orgused for appearance, size, lifespan, diet, distribution, fun facts
- Wikipedia (de): Rotfeder de.wikipedia.orgused for description, colours, size, weight, record, behaviour, golden form
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.