Rudd

The rudd is a fish of the carp family that lives in the planted lakes, ponds and slow-flowing rivers of Europe and western Asia. It is recognized by its bright red fins, brass-gold body and upturned mouth. It is distinguished from the similar roach by its dorsal fin, which starts further back than the pelvic fins. In ornamental ponds the bright yellow golden form is more commonly kept. Adults reach 25–30 cm, sometimes more.

• A pond with a large surface area of at least 2000 liters for a group of 5–8; it can be kept in an aquarium only while young.
• 15–22°C is ideal; it tolerates cold winters and overwinters in the deep part of the pond.
• Plants along the edges and plenty of open water in the middle; good filtration and aeration.
• It can jump; the pond edge should be kept high.

Omnivorous; when young it eats insects and small invertebrates, and as an adult increasingly more aquatic plants. It feeds on floating pond pellets, vegetables and frozen foods. It damages soft plants in the pond.

A peaceful, fast and social schooling fish; it spends most of its time in the upper water layer, picking food from the surface.

Good companions: in a pond, koi, golden orfe, tench and long-bodied goldfish types.

Avoid: tropical fish, dwarf shrimp and plant-focused ornamental ponds.