RUDD  , or RED-

EYE (Leuciscus erythrophthalmus), a fish of the Cyprinid family, spread over Europe, N. and S. of the Alps, also found in Asia Minor, and common in localities where there are still waters with muddy bottom . The rudd and the roach are very similar and frequently confused by anglers; the former differs principally in the more posterior dorsal fin, which is situated exactly opposite the space between the ventral and anal fins . It is a fine fish, but little esteemed for food, and rarely exceeds 12 in. in length and 2 lb in weight . It feeds on small freshwater animals and soft vegetable matter, and spawns in April or May . It readily crosses with the white bream, and more rarely with the roach and bleak .