Roach

Scientific name: Rutilus rutilus Maximum weight: 4 1/2lb (2kg) Average weight: 4-6oz (110-170g) Maximum length: 14in (36cm) Life-span: 10-15 years

British Record Roach — 4lb 3oz (1.899 kilo’s) 1990 R N Clarko, Dorset Stour

The inexperienced may be forgiven for finding it hard to tell the roach from the rudd. Judging from the numbers of hybrids between the two species, the fish themselves find identification difficult. Both have large scales and greenish backs but the flanks of the roach are silvery whereas the rudd has a golden sheen. Roach-bream crosses are also quite common, as are hybrids with chub and bleak. With their bright red-orange fins and distinctive red eyes, the roach in my mind, is a truly beautiful example of how a fish should look

Where to find the Roach
Roach are widespread throughout England but are much less common in Wales, Scotland and Ireland. They prefer slow-moving rivers and still waters but are also found in faster-flowing rivers that are reasonably deep. They do not do well in fast, shallow streams.

Roach Feeding habits
Fry and very young roach feed on plankton but as they grow they include algae and invertebrates such as snails and insect larvae, especially bloodworms, in their diet. Large specimens, particularly roach-bream hybrids, can become cannibals and feed mainly on fry. Roach do most of their feeding on the bottom, though at times they feed in mid-water and even come up to take insects that have fallen on the water surface.