of Tennessee. No person, firm, corporation, partnership nor association shall possess, sell, offer for sale, import, bring, release or cause to be brought or imported into the State of Alabama any species of fish "rudd" (Scardinius erythrophthalmus) or "roach" (Rutilus rutilus) nor any hybrids of either species. This species was reported in Alabama from First Creek in Lauderdale County ca. 1987. Ecology Rudd prefer clear waters rich in plants. They also feed on aquatic vegetation when the temperature exceeds 18 °C. They hunt for living prey in the upper levels. They prefer mesotrophic waters, while the roach is sometimes found together with the perch in waters that are nutrient poor. Rudd appear to prefer non-acidic water. It prefers shallow weedy areas in lakes and river backwaters, where mature females lay up to 200,000 eggs on submerged vegetation. Young rudd eat zooplankton, aquatic insects, and occasionally other small fish. Mature rudd, which are about 18" in length and weigh about 3 pounds, eat mostly aquatic vegetation. The rudd can consume up to 40% of their body weight in vegetation per day, as much as 80% of which is discharged as waste, releasing nutrients into the water column. They can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and water conditions, including eutrophic or polluted waters. In the laboratory rudd readily hybridize with the U.S. golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas). They come in both silver and gold, and are sometimes sold as pond ornamentals. Maximum lifespan has been reported as 17 years. Sexual maturity has been reported at 2–3 years. References Further reading External links Rudd at the Department of Conservation (New Zealand) Scardinius Cyprinid fish of Europe Fish described in 1758 common rudd