The common roach, also known as roach, schwal, or false rudd, is characterized by its robust fins and oval body, resembling the rudd. Its back is greenish-grey, the belly silvery, and the fins are usually reddish to orange. Rutilus rutilus is primarily distributed in Eastern Europe and is one of the most common fish species in the Rhine. Males reach sexual maturity after about two years, while females mature after only one year. The common roach can live for 10 to 12 years and grow to over 25 cm in length. This species plays an important economic role as a food fish (Lelek and Buhse, 2013).

Diet: Depending on its size and age, Rutilus rutilus feeds on zooplankton, insects and their larvae, small snails, crustaceans, mussels, worms, as well as various aquatic plants (Lappalainen et al., 2001; Estlander et al., 2010).

Conservation Status: According to both the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and the German Red List, the common roach is classified as “Least Concern.”