First Report of Abundant Rudd Populations in North America

The Rudd Scardinius erythrophthalmus was first introduced into U.S. waters about a century ago, and the species' popularity as a baitfish in the 1980s has facilitated its spread to at least 21 states and the province of Ontario. Several established populations have been identified, but low abundances have led to little research and management attention. Rudds comprised 48.7% of the 14,130 fish captured in spring trap-netting surveys of Buffalo Harbor (northeastern Lake Erie) and the upper Niagara River during 2007-2008. Rudd was the most abundant species sampled, being captured at 11 of 12 locations and comprising 23.6% of the total catch in Buffalo Harbor and 70.3% of the catch in the upper Niagara River. Documented presences and absences in historical reports indicate that rudd became established in these waters between 1986 and 1991. Research is needed to understand the effects of rudds on native aquatic resources, especially nearshore macrophyte assemblages and the fish they support.