This species is more robust and larger than Roach often reaching one or two pounds in weight and sometimes much more. It has a cylindrical body with large silvery scales and an orange anal fin that has a convex edge.

It frequents both slow and moderately fast rivers and is occasionally encountered in canals and still waters.

All year round.

It only breeds in flowing waters.

Widespread and fairly frequent in England, and also in parts of Wales and Southern Scotland.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland. It occurs mainly in our larger rivers, including the Soar, Wreake, Welland and eastern and western Sence.