The Tench is a traditional pondfish (predominantly in Europe) that is gradually making a transition to (large) aquaria. Until the mid-1990s two color forms were available: the green (or wild type) and a golden (sometimes mottled) variety Since then, at least two other colors have become available: a deep orange (sometimes referred to as red) and an orange/red and white type.
Other common name
- Doctor Fis
Subfamily
- Leuciscinae (classified as Cyprininae by some authors)
Distribution
- Widespread in Europe and stretching eastward to Russia; absent from northern Scandinavia, possibly Scotland, Ireland, Iberia, and the Adriatic coastline; widely introduced into exotic locations, including the United States.
Size
- Up to 28in (70cm) reported in the wild; usually much smaller.
Behavior
- Bottom dweller that will rise to the surface for food. Juveniles may be kept as a shoal. Diet: All foods accepted.
Aquarium
- Large, well-filtered (for water clarity purposes) aquaria with robust vegetation. Water chemistry not critical. Temperature range: from near freezing to over 86 F (30 C), but 68-77 F (20-25 C) is perfectly adequate
Breeding
- Difficult in aquaria. Huge numbers of eggs (up to 900,000) laid among plants in late spring/early summer. Hatching takes 6-8 days.
