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Invasive Species: Tench

Invasive Species: Tench

Tench

(Tinca tinca)
*Established in Michigan*

PROHIBITED IN MICHIGAN

Report this species:

Use the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) online reporting tool.

- Or - download the MISIN smartphone app and report from your phone - MISIN.MSU.edu/tools/apps/#home.

Identification:

  • Thick-set bodies ranging from deep olive to pale golden tan.
  • Eyes are bright red-orange color.
  • Small barbell at both corners of the mouth.

tench
Photo courtesy of Mark Malchoff, Lake Champlain Sea Grant.

tench
Photo courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey, Bugwood.org.

Habitat: Tench are freshwater members of the carp family that inhabit lakes with weedy or muddy bottoms.

Diet: Their diet consists of aquatic insect larvae and mollusks.

Native Range: Most of Europe and parts of western Asia.

Local Concern: They have been documented in 38 states. The impacts of this species are difficult to determine because it is often lumped together with other species in the family. Tench are able to survive in low oxygen, degraded waters. It is unclear whether they cause these conditions or are simply filling a niche that native species cannot.

Potential Means of Introduction: Flooding events.

MORE INFORMATION:

Tench Invasive Species Alert (printable PDF)