What type Fish live in the Thames?

The River Thames is home to a surprising variety of fish, considering its urban environment. Here's a breakdown of some common species:

Native species:

* Eels: The most famous Thames resident, eels are fascinating migratory fish that travel thousands of miles to spawn in the Sargasso Sea.

* Salmon: While not as abundant as they once were, salmon still make their way up the Thames, thanks to efforts to improve water quality.

* Trout: Brown trout are found in cleaner, cooler stretches of the river, particularly upstream.

* Pike: A predatory fish, pike are common in the Thames and can grow quite large.

* Perch: A common sight in the river, perch are a popular target for anglers.

* Chub: A strong-swimming fish that can reach impressive sizes, chub prefer the faster-flowing sections of the Thames.

* Barbel: These bottom-dwelling fish are known for their long barbels, which they use to sense food.

* Roach: A very common fish in the Thames, roach are often found in large shoals.

* Dace: A silvery fish, dace are often found in the same habitats as roach.

* Gudgeon: A small, bottom-dwelling fish that is often found in shallow water.

* Bream: A large, deep-bodied fish that prefers still or slow-flowing water.

Introduced species:

* Carp: These large, bottom-feeding fish are a popular target for anglers.

* Tench: A hardy fish that can tolerate poor water conditions.

* Rudd: A small, silvery fish that is often found in large schools.

* Crucian Carp: A small, reddish-brown carp that is native to Asia.

* Rainbow Trout: A non-native species that has been introduced for sport fishing.

Other species:

* Lampreys: A primitive, jawless fish that is parasitic.

* Bullheads: A small, bottom-dwelling fish that is often found in muddy areas.

This is not an exhaustive list, as the Thames is a dynamic environment with a constantly changing fish population.

It's important to note that the presence and abundance of certain species can vary depending on factors such as water quality, pollution levels, and fishing pressure.