Fin's Fish Guide
The Tench (Tinca tinca) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 70 cm.
Widespread in fresh water of Europe and West Asia, in plant-rich lakes, ponds and slow-flowing rivers.
Description
The tench is a sturdy, dark-green cyprinid of the family Cyprinidae reaching about 70 cm. The stout body has very small scales, a thick layer of slime, strikingly small red eyes, rounded fins and a single short barbel at each corner of the mouth. The species likes warm, vegetation-rich, still or slow-flowing fresh water such as ponds, lakes and ditches, and tolerates low-oxygen conditions well. On the bottom it roots for midge larvae, snails, worms and plant matter. In the warm summer it spawns late; in winter it is barely active and partly buries itself in the mud. The tench is a popular and strong fish for angling.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Tench?
The Tench has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a plain pattern. Sturdy, dark green cyprinid with very small scales, a thick mucus layer, small red eyes and one short barbel in each corner of the mouth.
Where does the Tench live?
The Tench lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Widespread in fresh water of Europe and West Asia, in plant-rich lakes, ponds and slow-flowing rivers.
How big does the Tench get?
The Tench grows to a maximum of about 70 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Tench dangerous to humans?
No, the Tench is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Tench edible?
The Tench is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Tench and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Cyprinidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Tench is one of 12,519 species in the app.