Tench (Tinca tinca)
Current record: 15lb 3oz 6dr
Water: Sheepwalk big pit, Shepperton
The tench (Tinca tinca) is a freshwater fish belonging to the Cyprinidae family, native to Eurasia. Renowned for its unique appearance and sturdy build, the tench is a popular target for anglers in various European lakes and slow-flowing rivers. Its scientific name, Tinca tinca, reflects its distinctiveness in the world of freshwater fish.
Tench have a distinctive appearance, characterized by a stocky body covered in mucus, which gives them a slimy feel when handled. They typically display olive-green or bronze coloration, blending in well with their aquatic surroundings. The tench's dorsal fin is notably long, extending along much of its back. The species is known for its robust and powerful build, contributing to its reputation as a formidable opponent for anglers.
Tench are primarily bottom-feeders, foraging in the mud and silt for a diverse diet that includes insect larvae, small crustaceans, aquatic plants, and detritus. Their feeding habits make them well-adapted to slow-flowing or still waters with abundant vegetation, where they can find ample food resources. Anglers often use baits such as worms, maggots, and sweetcorn to attract tench, and fishing for this species is particularly popular during the warmer months.
One notable aspect of tench biology is their ability to thrive in water bodies with low oxygen levels. They possess a modified swim bladder that allows them to extract oxygen directly from the air, giving them an advantage in oxygen-deprived environments. This adaptation contributes to their success in habitats where other fish species might struggle.
Conservation efforts related to tench focus on maintaining healthy freshwater habitats, addressing water quality issues, and implementing sustainable fishing practices. Habitat restoration projects, pollution control measures, and the creation of protected areas contribute to the overall well-being of tench populations. Understanding the ecology and specific habitat requirements of tench is crucial for effective conservation and responsible angling practices, ensuring the continued presence of this unique species in freshwater ecosystems.
The olive-green skin of tench is deeper above and nearly golden below, and they have a stocky, carp-like form. The form of the tail fin is square. The form of the other fins is clearly rounded. The mouth is quite small and equipped with a little barbel at each corner. Although most examples are significantly smaller, the largest size is 70 cm. The record fish was taken in England in 2001 and weighed 15 lbs 3 oz (6.89 kg). Small and reddish-orange in tint, the eyes are.[14] With the exception of adult females having a more convex ventral profile than males, sexual dimorphism is absent or weak.
In deep, still waters with a clayey or silty bottom and an abundance of aquatic vegetation, large tench may be found. Float fishing and ledgering with a swim feeder while using maggots, sweetcorn, pellets, bread, and worms are the finest techniques and bait for catching tench. When captured on a rod, fish weighing more than one kilogramme (two pounds) put up a fierce struggle.