Rudd
Scardinius erythrophthalmus
Description
Similar to golden shiner; dark grey back, silver sides, blood red fins (shiner fins are yellow); up to 14 in.; forked tail.
Habitat
Found in lakes, rivers, marshland and ponds with little current and prefer large weed beds; usually fresh-water but can acclimate to brackish conditions. Native to Eurasia.
Location in Nebraska
Identified in Harlan, Enders, McConaughy, Calamus, Sherman, Box Butte and Johnson Reservoirs (and likely others).
Pathway of Introduction and Spread
Personal aquarium dumping, escape from aquaculture pens, bait bucket release, ship ballast water, and other activities.
Impacts
Outcompete native fishes for food, can also feed on vegetation, tolerates eutrophic or polluted waters. Can hybridize with native golden shiner.
Photo Credits:
USGS
Steve Schainost, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission