Roach Rutilus rutilus
Family Cyprinidae

Roach are to be caught in large numbers at Lower Lakes.

Identification.
Roach are moderately deep bodied with a small head, young fish are more slender. The head is scaleless, the body has large scales, 42-45 in the lateral line. Dorsal and anal fins both short based, anal fin with 9-11 branched rays. The dorsal fin of the Roach lies vertically above the base of the pelvic fins.
The redness of Roach coloration is distinctive, with a red iris to the eye, orange to bright red pelvic and anal fins, and reddish pectoral fins. The dorsal and tail fins are dusky. The back is blue to greeny brown, sides intensely silver.

Roach can be confused with Rudd. A distinguishing feature is the position of the dorsal fin in relation to the ventral fin. The leading edge of the dorsal fin in the Roach begins directly above the fore edge of the ventral fin, whereas in the Rudd it is placed further back.
        
Roach                                                              Rudd

Hybrids of Roach with Rudd or with Bream are not uncommon, and that can make identification even more difficult

Habitat.
Roach frequent lowland lakes and rivers, especially slow flowing rivers. Roach are particularly common where there is good weed growth.

Food.
Roach eat aquatic insect larvae, insects, crustaceans, snails and a lot of plant matter. Young roach will eat small crustaceans such as water fleas. Very large Roach will sometimes feed on fry.

Breeding.
Roach spawn from April-June, shedding an average of 20,000 yellowish eggs per 1lb of body weight over plants, algae and even tree roots. The eggs stick to the vegetation and hatch in 9-12 days. During the breeding season, mature Roach have a covering of white spots on their head and back.

Statistics.
Maximum Weight: 4.5lb (2kg)
Maximum Length: 14" (36cm)
Average Size Caught: 4-6oz (110-170kg)
Life Span: 10-15 Years.

Habits and fishing tips
Roach will feed at all depths depending on the water temperature. In winter the Roach will feed in deeper water. In summer the opposite applies, this is due to the deeper water being warmer in winter and colder in the summer.