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🐟 Roach
One of the most widespread coarse fish in the UK, a staple species for both beginners and experienced match anglers thanks to how readily it shoals and feeds.
Identification
Silver-flanked with a greenish-blue back and distinctive red-orange lower fins and eyes. Body shape is more streamlined than bream or carp, with a small mouth suited to picking at small food items.
UK habitat
Present in nearly every type of UK freshwater: rivers, canals, lakes and ponds nationwide. Tolerant of a wide range of conditions, which is a large part of why it's so consistently catchable across the country, from small club ponds to major rivers.