Occurrence of Rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus) and Dynamics of Three Populations in South Dakota

ABSTRACT The rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus) was first identified in South Dakota waters during the early 1990's. Since its introduction, there has been a paucity of information concerning its presence. The objectives of this research were to summarize rudd collections in South Dakota, to describe the population dynamics of three established populations, and to assess possible effects on native fish communities. Rudd have been collected from waters in nine South Dakota counties and one Missouri River reservoir. Lake Alice, Newell Lake, and Sheridan Lake currently have self-sustaining rudd populations. Rudd relative abundance has stabilized in these three lakes. Population samples were dominated by individuals >200 mm total Length. Recruitment has been consistent with several year classes present in each lake and natural mortality tends to be low. Rudd growth rates in Lake Alice and Newell Lake were extremely fast. It currently does not appear that the fish communities have been adversely affected by th...