Description and characteristics
The tench (Tinca tinca) is a robust cyprinid covered with small, sticky scales of olive-green or bronze colour. It has small eyes, rounded fins and two short barbels at the corners of the mouth.
Habitat and distribution
It prefers calm, warm waters with muddy bottoms and rich vegetation — ponds, lakes and canals of the Danube Delta. It is a resilient species, tolerating low-oxygen water.
Diet and behaviour
It feeds on benthic invertebrates, larvae, worms, molluscs and vegetation. It lives alone or in small shoals, being active especially at dusk and at night.
Reproduction
Spawning occurs in spring and summer at 18–22°C, with females laying eggs on vegetation. The fry grow relatively slowly.
Economic and ecological importance
The tench is appreciated for its fine, easily digestible flesh, having economic value and value for sport fishing. Ecologically, it contributes to the balance of still waters.
Threats and conservation
It is affected by drainage of ponds and pollution. Protection of still, marshy waters is important.
Fishing and legal minimum size
The tench is caught with a rod, with bottom baits. In the table of minimum legal sizes, the tench (Tinca tinca) has a minimum legal size of 25 cm.
Conclusion
The tench is a valuable bottom-dwelling cyprinid with fine flesh, present in the still waters of the Danube Delta.