Scardinius

Scardinius is a genus of freshwater ray-finned fishes belonging to the family Leuciscidae, which includes daces, Eurasian minnows, and related species. The fishes in this genus are commonly called rudds. Locally, the name "rudd" without any further qualifiers is also used for individual species, particularly the common rudd (S. erythrophthalmus). The rudd can be distinguished from the very similar roach by its upturned mouth, allowing it to pick food items such as aquatic insects from the surface of the water with minimal disturbance. The Greek rudd (S. graecus) is a similar fish, about 40 cm long. It occurs only in the southern tip of the Greek mainland. It lives in lakes and slow-flowing rivers, forming large schools. It spawns around April–June among underwater plants in shallow water. It feeds on small crustaceans, the larvae and pupae of insects, and on plant material. The majority of its food is taken at or near the surface of the water. The fish is not usually found in deep water. Very little is known about the biology of this species. It is important locally, both to anglers and commercial companies.