THE FOOD AND GAME FISHES OF NEW YORK. 



287 



This species is more characteristic of the small streams and clear ponds and it 

 takes the hook very freely ; but its proper mission is to serve as bait for the larger 

 and choicer fishes. 



30. Tench (Tinea tinea Linnaeus). 



Tinea vulgaris CUVIER & VALENCIENNES, Hist. Nat. Poiss, XVI, 322, pi. 484, 1842 ; 

 HECKEL & KNER, Slissw. Fische, 75, fig. 34, 1858. 



The Tench has been introduced into the United States. An individual taken in 

 the Potomac River near Washington, D. C., has a grinding surface well developed 

 on the pharyngeal teeth, a character concerning which no mention is made in the 

 current descriptions. The Tench now extends throughout the fresh waters of 



TENCH. 



Europe into those of Asia Minor. Its northern limit is said to be in Finland. It 

 may or may not be native to England. The species prefers still waters in which 

 aquatic plants abound. It is very tenacious of life and has been observed to live a 

 whole day out of water. Its food consists of insects, larvae, worms and vegetable 

 substances. 



Spawning takes place in June and July. The eggs are small and adhesive. The 

 rate of growth is rather rapid under favorable circumstances, the young having 

 attained to a weight of I pound in their first year. Individuals of the weight of 10 

 or 1 1 pounds are recorded, and Salvianus mentioned a Tench of 20 pounds. As for 

 the quality of its flesh opinions differ, some persons considering it unpalatable, while 

 others regard it as delicious and wholesome. 



