The dark and sad looking fish are tench. Clear characteristic marks are also the roundness of the fins and orange eyes. On sunny summer days in lakes or marine bays in southern Finland, one may see a school of dark sturdy tench swimming close to the surface enjoying the warmth. Despite this habit, tench are bottom dwellers, which prosper in eutrophic, muddy water bottoms. They seek food in the shelter of the dark and favour water plants, worms and gastropods. When surprised they quickly slip into muddy bottoms or hide amidst vegetation. Half a meter long and at best over two kilograms in weight, they are considered food fish, although their appreciation varies depending on region.
