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Tench

Sicuro

Tinca tinca

Conosciuto anche come: Doctor Fish, Schlei, Lin

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Descrizione

Tinca tinca, commonly known as the Tench, is a freshwater fish belonging to the carp family (Cyprinidae). It is characterized by its robust, somewhat compressed body, small scales, and distinctive olive-green to golden coloration. Known for its resilience and ability to tolerate low oxygen conditions, the Tench is a bottom-dwelling species often found in slow-moving or still waters with abundant vegetation. It is a popular angling fish and has some historical significance in aquaculture and traditional medicine.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo
compressed
Colorazione
Dorsal side typically dark olive-green to brownish-green, fading to a lighter greenish-yellow or golden on the flanks and a pale yellow or white belly. Golden varieties (Tinca tinca 'Ornata') are selectively bred for ornamental purposes.
Tipo di squame
cycloid
Posizione della bocca
terminal
Caratteristiche distintive
Small, deeply embedded scales giving a smooth appearance., Thick, leathery skin covered in a thick layer of mucus., Small, red eyes., A single, very small barbel at each corner of the mouth., Rounded fins.
Pinna dorsale
Short, high, and rounded, typically with 3-4 unbranched and 8-9 branched rays.
Pinna caudale
Broad, slightly emarginate (forked) or truncate, with 19 rays.
Pinna pettorale
Rounded and relatively small.
Pinne distintive
All fins are rounded and dark, often with a reddish tinge.

Consigli per l'identificazione

Body Shape and Coloration

Look for a robust, deep-bodied fish with an olive-green to golden hue, darker on the back and lighter on the belly. The body is somewhat compressed laterally.

Scales and Skin

The scales are very small and deeply embedded, giving the skin a smooth, almost scaleless appearance. The skin is covered in a thick, protective layer of mucus.

Eyes and Mouth

Small, reddish-orange eyes are characteristic. The mouth is small and terminal, with a single, tiny barbel at each corner.

Fins

All fins are distinctly rounded, not pointed. The caudal fin is broad and only slightly emarginate or truncate.

Habitat

Tipo di acqua
freshwater
Profondità
Typically found in shallow to moderate depths (1-5 meters), but can inhabit deeper areas.
Ambiente
Prefers still or slow-moving waters such as lakes, ponds, oxbows, canals, and slow rivers. Thrives in areas with dense aquatic vegetation (reeds, lilies) and a soft, muddy or silty bottom. Tolerant of low oxygen levels and slightly acidic to alkaline waters.
Areale geografico
Native to most of Europe and parts of Asia, from the British Isles and Scandinavia eastward to Siberia and Lake Baikal. Introduced to many other regions worldwide, including North America, Australia, and parts of Africa.

Informazioni sull'acquario

  • Livello di cura: intermediate
  • Temperamento: peaceful
  • Dieta: omnivore
  • Dimensione minima della vasca: 200 gallons (for adults)
  • Temperatura: 10-24°C (50-75°F)
  • Livello di pH: 7.0-8.0
  • Durezza: 10-20 dGH
  • Compatibilità: Compatible with other large, peaceful coldwater fish. Avoid very small fish that could be seen as prey.
  • Requisiti speciali: Requires a well-filtered tank with plenty of hiding spots (plants, driftwood) and a soft substrate. Good aeration is important. Can be shy and prefers dimly lit conditions. Not ideal for typical home aquariums due to size and specific needs.

Informazioni in natura

  • Stato di conservazione: least concern
  • Stagionalità: Most active and caught during warmer months (spring to autumn). Spawning occurs in late spring to early summer.
  • Prezzo di mercato: Varies regionally, generally moderate for food fish, higher for ornamental varieties (e.g., golden tench).
  • Importanza commerciale: medium
  • Sapore: Mild, slightly earthy flavor, can sometimes have a muddy taste if not purged properly.
  • Consistenza: Firm, white, flaky flesh with small bones.
  • Metodi di cottura: Frying, Baking, Smoking, Stewing
  • Valore nutrizionale: Good source of protein, low in fat. Contains Omega-3 fatty acids.

Fatti chiave

Doctor Fishinteresting

The Tench is sometimes called the 'Doctor Fish' due to an old superstition that other fish would rub against its slime to heal their own injuries or illnesses. This is attributed to the tench's thick, medicinal-smelling mucus.

Resiliencebehavior

Tench are remarkably resilient fish, capable of tolerating very low oxygen levels and poor water quality, allowing them to survive in habitats where many other fish species cannot.

Hibernationbehavior

During winter, Tench become largely inactive, burying themselves in the mud at the bottom of their habitat and entering a state of torpor until warmer temperatures return.

Nocturnal Foragerbehavior

While they can be active during the day, Tench are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular feeders, using their barbels to locate food items in the substrate.

Golden Tenchinteresting

A popular ornamental variety, the 'Golden Tench' (Tinca tinca 'Ornata'), is selectively bred for its vibrant golden-orange coloration and is often kept in garden ponds.

Informazioni di sicurezza

Sicuro
  • Livello di sicurezza: safe
  • Velenoso: No
  • Commestibilità: edible
  • Note sul maneggio: Tench are generally harmless to handle. Their thick mucus layer can make them slippery, so handle with care to avoid dropping. No sharp spines or venomous glands. Always wet your hands before handling fish to protect their slime coat.

Specie simili

Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

Common Carp have larger, more prominent scales, two pairs of barbels (four total) on the upper jaw, and a more elongated body shape. Their dorsal fin is long and has a serrated spine.

Crucian Carp

Carassius carassius

Crucian Carp lack barbels entirely, have a deeper, more compressed body, and typically a more golden-bronze coloration. Their dorsal fin is long and convex.

Classificazione scientifica

Regno
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Classe
Actinopterygii
Ordine
Cypriniformes
Famiglia
Cyprinidae
Genere
Tinca
Specie
Tinca tinca

Esplora Tench

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