tench Tinca tinca, a freshwater fish of the carp family found throughout Europe. Length rarely over 50 cm (20"); coloration blackish-green with lighter and reddish underside. The flesh is soft but tasty and commands a high price in countries where it is appreciated, notably Germany. Tench are sometimes farmed in fish ponds, despite their slow rate of growth.
© the Estate of Alan Davidson 1999, 2006, 2014 © in the Editor’s contribution to the second and third editions, Oxford University Press 2006, 2014.