The rudd is a member of the minnow family that is native to Eurasia. The rudd is a popular bait fish in several parts of the country and has potential to be introduced into Iowa. To date the rudd has not been found in Iowa waters, but the future introduction into the state is probable since it has been found in our neighbor state of Illinois. The rudd is extremely similar in appearance to the native golden shiner, except it can obtain a much larger size (up to 20").

Like all exotic fishes, if established in Iowa the rudd will compete with native fishes and alter the ecosystem.