Roach

Roach, Rutilus rutilus, is a freshwater fish species distributed in lakes and rivers across Europe. It is not a popular food fish but is occasionally sold fresh, whole and gutted, or as a dried and salted product. Like other freshwater species it needs prompt chilling after catch, and drying or salting, the traditional preservation methods applied to it, must be carried out hygienically to avoid spoilage and contamination. Its main significance for the food sector is as a minor regional fish rather than a major commercial species.