Roach (rutilus Rutilus)
The roach, a member of the carp family, is distinguished by its relatively large scales, by the position of the dorsal and pelvic fins, and the angle of its mouth. It has a dark back with a bluish or greenish sheen, the sides are silvery white, the dorsal and caudal fins are grey, other fins reddish in colour. Its dorsal fin is positioned above the base of the pelvic fins. It is a schooling fish and is one of the most prolific species in all types of waters with the exception of the trout zone. It also lives in brackish waters and in the Baltic Sea. The saltwater forms migrate upriver during the breeding season. It usually spawns in April and May in shallow waters on aquatic vegetation. The males have conspicuous hard white pimples on the head and body at this time of the year. In Europe it is locally commercially valuable and is often caught in all types of nets in large reservoirs, ponds, lakes and rivers. In addition, it is a popular angling fish and is used as bait on hooks for catching larger predatory fish. It reaches a length of about 40 cm and may weigh up to 1 kg. In its natural habitat it often interbreeds with other carp species, such as rudd and bream. It feeds on aquatic invertebrates and larger specimens also live on aquatic vegetation.
It can be found. all over Europe with the exception of the Iberian and Italian peninsulas, Greece, northern Scotland, much of Ireland and Wales, and northern Norway. Because of its popularity with anglers it is often introduced to new areas.
Maximum size and weight :
40 cm, 1 kg.
Identifying characteristics : Dorsal fin positioned above the pelvic fin base; body behind the pelvic fins rounded and covered with scales.
