How long do Tench live?
Tench live 10 or more years with good pond care. Cool, stable, oxygen-rich water supports a long life.
What do Tench eat?
They are bottom-feeding omnivores taking sinking pellets, worms, and live/frozen foods; they sift substrate for detritus. Overfeeding is the main mistake; feed sinking foods they can reach on the bottom.
Tank size and pond parameters
A large pond (hundreds of gallons, 1 m+ depth) suits a group. Target 50-72°F (10-22°C), pH 7.0-8.0, well-oxygenated, ammonia/nitrite zero, nitrate low. Keep in groups of 3+ with a soft bottom to sift.
Common mistakes with Tench
Key errors: a small aquarium (they need pond space); warm stagnant water; only floating foods they cannot reach; and keeping one when they prefer company.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Small tank — tench need pond-scale space and depth.
- Warm stagnant water — keep it cool and oxygenated.
- Only floating foods — they are bottom feeders; use sinking food.
- Keeping one — they do better in a small group.