Rudd Care Guide

Care Process

The Rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus) is a resilient species that adapts well to a variety of conditions. Native to Europe and Asia, these fish are suited for aquarists looking for a medium level of challenge. They thrive in a temperature range between 10 °C and 25 °C, with a preference for a pH range of 7.0 to 8.5.

Tank Setup

To provide a comfortable environment for Rudd, an ample-sized tank is recommended to accommodate their energetic nature. Ideally, ensure the tank size supports a minimum school of about 12 cm of Rudd, as they are a schooling species. Use gentle filtration to maintain water quality without creating excessive currents. Add rocks, plants, and driftwood for hiding places and enrichment, catering to their mildly territorial behavior.

Feeding

Rudd are omnivorous and should be provided with a varied diet to ensure optimal health. This can include high-quality pellets or flakes as staple foods. Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and worms. Regularly varying their diet will help in maintaining their vibrant coloration.

Compatibility

Rudd are very peaceful with low aggression levels, making them great candidates for community tanks. They should be kept with similarly peaceful fish species to avoid stress. Their mildly territorial behavior suggests ensuring enough space and resources for each fish to minimize conflicts.

Lifespan and Health

With a lifespan of 5 to 14 years, Rudd are a long-term commitment. They exhibit resilient hardiness, making them well-suited for varied water conditions; however, maintaining stable parameters close to their preferred range promotes their health and longevity.

Breeding

Breeding Rudd can be slightly challenging. They exhibit slight increases in aggression during the breeding season. To encourage breeding, match their natural seasonal changes in temperature, and provide spawning material like leafy plants or fine-leaved artificial spawning mops. Monitoring water quality and ensuring a peaceful environment will help in successful breeding.