General classification
A bentho-pelagic freshwater ray-finned fish in the family Leuciscidae.
Common Rudd
Scardinius erythrophthalmus
The common rudd is a bentho-pelagic freshwater ray-finned fish found across much of Europe and central Asia.
rudd
Last Updated Mar 9, 2026 · 4 sources
Species Guide
What to know about common rudds
A clean field guide focused on habitat, identification, behavior, and conservation context without burying the useful parts.
The common rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus) is a bentho-pelagic freshwater ray-finned fish in the family Leuciscidae. It is widely distributed in Europe and central Asia, occurring around the basins of the North, Baltic, Black, Caspian and Aral seas.
Described as bentho-pelagic, indicating use of both near-bottom and midwater zones in freshwater habitats.
At the country level, the clearest linked starting points on this guide currently point to Germany, Belarus, Austria for divers looking for common rudds.
Identification
How to identify common rudds
The visual markers divers can use underwater, plus the species most likely to cause confusion.
Key identification markers
Habitat preference
Associated with both bottom and midwater zones (bentho-pelagic) in freshwater systems.
Range and Movement
