tench
(Tinca tinca)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Native Range
Most of Europe, including the British Isles, and parts of western Asia.
Appearance
Total length is usually 8-10 in. (20-25 cm) and up to a maximum of 33 in. (84 cm). Tail is deep and short. Mouth is terminal with a single, slender barbel at each corner of the mouth. Scales are small.
Fins
Fins are dark, rounded, and lack spines.
Color
Color is dark olive to pale golden tan above, white to bronze below with bright, reddish-orange eyes.
Habitat
Lakes and slow-moving weedy waterways with muddy substrates. Able to tolerate low levels of dissolved oxygen and a broad water temperature range from near freezing to 74F (24C).
Introduced Range
In Canada: in the Columbia watershed in British Columbia and the Richelieu River and St. Lawrence River in Quebec. First reported in Ontario waters in 2016, being found as far west as the Bay of Quinte in 2018. Well established in the United States, particularly in the Mississippi watershed.
Pathway of Introduction and Spread
Introduced as a sport fish across the US. An unlawful release in Quebec led to the establishment in the Richelieu River, a tributary of the St. Lawrence River. May be unintentionally spread through the use of live baitfish.
Impacts
May compete with native fish species for prey, such as snails and insect larvae. Feeding behavior may stir up sediments and reduce water quality.
References
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2010 Field Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species, 3rd Edition. Queen's Printer for Ontario. Ontario, Canada
Queen's Printer for Ontario. 2012. Tench Fact Sheet. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
Most of Europe, including the British Isles, and parts of western Asia.
Appearance
Total length is usually 8-10 in. (20-25 cm) and up to a maximum of 33 in. (84 cm). Tail is deep and short. Mouth is terminal with a single, slender barbel at each corner of the mouth. Scales are small.
Fins
Fins are dark, rounded, and lack spines.
Color
Color is dark olive to pale golden tan above, white to bronze below with bright, reddish-orange eyes.
Habitat
Lakes and slow-moving weedy waterways with muddy substrates. Able to tolerate low levels of dissolved oxygen and a broad water temperature range from near freezing to 74F (24C).
Introduced Range
In Canada: in the Columbia watershed in British Columbia and the Richelieu River and St. Lawrence River in Quebec. First reported in Ontario waters in 2016, being found as far west as the Bay of Quinte in 2018. Well established in the United States, particularly in the Mississippi watershed.
Pathway of Introduction and Spread
Introduced as a sport fish across the US. An unlawful release in Quebec led to the establishment in the Richelieu River, a tributary of the St. Lawrence River. May be unintentionally spread through the use of live baitfish.
Impacts
May compete with native fish species for prey, such as snails and insect larvae. Feeding behavior may stir up sediments and reduce water quality.
References
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2010 Field Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species, 3rd Edition. Queen's Printer for Ontario. Ontario, Canada
Queen's Printer for Ontario. 2012. Tench Fact Sheet. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Subphylum: Vertebrata |
| Class: Actinopterygii |
| Subclass: Neopterygii |
| Order: Cypriniformes |
| Family: Cyprinidae |
| Genus: Tinca |
| Tinca tinca |
References
Common Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.
Scientific Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.