Rutilis rutilis - Roach

Taxonomy

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Cypriniformes

Family: Cyprinidae

Roach are fish of still or slow-flowing water. They are found in some eastern rivers of Wales, generally in the lower reaches, and have also been stocked into several stillwater fisheries throughout Wales.

Roach spawn in April and May in the south of Wales; spawning can extend into June further north. Their diet comprises invertebrates and plant matter.

Hybrids of roach with rudd or with bream are not uncommon, and that can make identification more difficult. A roach of more than two pounds is the fish of a lifetime, although they can grow quite a lot bigger.

The British rod-caught record roach, caught by Mr Ray Clarke on the Dorest Stour in 1990, weighed 4lb 3oz (1.899kg).