Tench

All feed formulas developed by Aller Aqua at the Aller Aqua Research Centre follow these requirements to ensure proper growth and health:

• Protein Needs: Moderate protein levels are sufficient—around 28–35% crude protein, depending on age and farming intensity.

• Fat and Energy Needs: Dietary fat levels range from 5–8%. Tench has relatively low energy requirements due to its slow metabolism and bottom-dwelling lifestyle.

• Essential Nutrients:

• Vitamins (A, D, E, C, B-complex) support immunity and growth.

• Minerals (Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Zn, Se) are essential for metabolic health and skeletal development.

• Amino Acids: Lysine and methionine are crucial in formulated diets to support muscle development.

The range of solutions developed by Aller Aqua is suitable for each stage of the fish lifecycle as well as the following farming methods:

• Culture Systems:

• Extensive and semi-intensive ponds are most common, often in polyculture with carp.

• Also suitable for integrated aquaculture systems, such as aquaponics or traditional European pond farms.

• Environmental Conditions:

• Temperature: Optimal range is 18–24°C.

• Oxygen: Very tolerant of low dissolved oxygen levels (~2–3 mg/L).

• pH & Water Quality: Can thrive in water with moderate organic loading and slightly alkaline pH.

• Stocking Density:
  Typically 0.5–2 kg/m² in ponds, depending on management intensity and whether other species are co-cultured.

• Feeding Practices:
  In low-input systems, tench mainly feed on natural benthos. In more intensive settings, supplementary feeding with grains or commercial pellets improves growth.

• Growth & Harvest:
  Growth is relatively slow; reaching market size (~300–600 g) can take 2–3 years. Selective breeding and optimized diets can reduce this.

A carefully selected composition of raw materials and verified feed formulas ensure that the fish is rich in minerals and vitamins, and at the same time that the texture of meat is of the highest quality. We make sure that fish grown using solutions provided by Aller Aqua offer the following benefits:

• Nutritional Value:
  Tench offers lean, high-quality protein, is low in fat, and contains beneficial micronutrients such as vitamin B12, phosphorus, and selenium.

• Taste and Culinary Value:
  Traditionally consumed in Central and Eastern Europe, tench has firm flesh and a mild, earthy flavor. It is well-suited to smoking, baking, or poaching.

Tench farming is low-impact, especially in polyculture and extensive systems. It contributes to ecological balance by feeding on natural organisms and helping control pond ecosystems. Farmed tench from well-managed systems offers a clean, safe product, often with minimal inputs or chemical use.