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Tench
Schleie
Scientific name: Tinca tinca
NativeFreshwater
Behavior
A bottom-dwelling fish, mostly living in plant-rich still water or muddy, slow-flowing water. Nocturnal, often overwinters buried in mud. Tolerant of low oxygen thanks to supplementary intestinal breathing.
Features
Deep-bodied, laterally compressed, round belly, blunt head, terminal mouth with a pair of short barbels, small scales embedded deep in the skin. Omnivorous. Nicknamed the "fish doctor".
Distribution
Found from Europe to Central Asia and Siberia. Widespread in Germany in lakes, ponds, and slow-flowing river stretches; an important farmed species.