Tench is a noun that refers to a freshwater fish of the carp family (Cyprinidae) belonging to the species Tinca tinca. It is typically found in lakes, slow-moving rivers, and ponds across Europe and western Asia.
This species is characterized by its robust body, which is typically olive-green or dark brown in color, along with a slimy mucus coating that gives the fish a slippery texture. Tench are known for their relatively small mouths, rounded fins, and thick, scaleless skin. They have a slightly concave tail fin and a long dorsal fin, which is positioned closer to the back. On average, tench can reach lengths of 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 centimeters) and weigh between 1 to 5 pounds (0.5 to 2.5 kilograms).
Tench are primarily bottom-dwelling fish, often seen stirring up the muddy sediment in search of food, which typically consists of insects, insect larvae, small crustaceans, plants, and mollusks. They are known to be highly adaptable, capable of surviving in environments with low oxygen levels due to their ability to breathe from both their gills and an air sac connected to their digestive system.
Being a popular sport fish, nearly all tench caught today are released back into the water, contributing to the conservation of their populations. However, tench are also consumed by many as a culinary delight due to their tender flesh.
