Characteristics
Roach are perhaps the most common and widespread fish species in the UK. They are a small, shoaling silver fish that have orangey/brown pelvic, anal and tail fins. They feed in deeper areas of the river but will also operate near the surface, especially in warmer weather. They can sometimes be confused with the less common rudd, which has slightly more golden scales on its back, deeper red fins and a more up-turned mouth. Adult roach can grow to around 35cms in length.
Diet
Roach are a very active shoaling fish. They will move around to seek out plankton, small invertebrates and plant material like algae and seeds. They are most typically caught by fisherman using maggot or bread as bait. Because of the success of roach, and the fact that they shoal in large numbers, they are a very important food source for predators like grebe, heron, cormorant and pike.