DSC_9387 Tench (Tinca tinca) habitat. The first tench were introduced around Auckland in 1867, then in the 1950's they were also released near Otaki and Oamaru. They have since been spread illicitly to Northland, Whanganui, Nelson, Canterbury and Otago. They live in slow-moving or still waters and are classified as ‘sports fish’ with anglers requiring a licence to legally fish for them. They are regarded as a pest fish for reducing water clarity in shallow lakes where they alter food webs and disturb sediments. Island Stream *
DSC_4550 Golden tench (Tinca tinca) are present in New Zealand in only very low numbers and were imported illegally around 1980. They occur in a few small ponds north of Auckland. They prefer slow-moving or still waters and are classified as ‘sports fish’, until recently they have been largely ignored by coarse fishermen, because they are timid and nocturnal. A licence is required to legally fish for them. Northland *
DSC_4505 Golden tench (Tinca tinca) are present in New Zealand in only very low numbers and were imported illegally around 1980. They occur in a few small ponds north of Auckland. They prefer slow-moving or still waters and are classified as ‘sports fish’, until recently they have been largely ignored by coarse fishermen, because they are timid and nocturnal. A licence is required to legally fish for them. Northland *