Author: (Linnaeus, 1758)
FBname: Roach
Comments: Found in a wide variety of habitats, mainly in lowland areas.  Most abundant in nutrient-rich lakes and large to medium sized rivers and backwaters.  Also recorded from small lowland streams and from brackish coastal lagoons.  In fast-flowing rivers, confined to stretches where backwaters or shelters allow for overwintering.  Larvae and juveniles live in wide variety of littoral habitats. Preys predominantly on benthic invertebrates, zooplankton, plant material and detritus.  May shift from littoral to pelagic habitats and between benthic food and zooplankton when abundance of a specific food item is high or for avoidance of predation and/or competition.  Breeds among dense submerged vegetation in backwaters or lakes, flooded meadows or in shallow, fast-flowing river habitats on plant or gravel bottom.  Undertakes short spawning migrations.  Stays in backwaters or in deep parts of lakes to overwinter.  Produces fertile hybrids with <i>Abramis brama</i> (Ref. 59043).  Pale yellow eggs are found attached to vegetation and tree roots (Ref. 41678).  There is only little commercial fishing for this species, but valued for recreational fishing.  Utilized fresh and dried or salted; can be pan-fried, broiled and baked (Ref. 9988).