Roach (Leuciscus rutilus), a fish of the family Cyprinidæ, abundant in England, the south of Scotland, and many countries of Europe. It measures from 10 to 15 inches; the body generally has a silvery appearance, the back is a dull green, the lower fins are red, and there are no barbels. The roach is gregarious in habit, and large shoals are found usually in lakes, but towards the breeding season they migrate up streams and rivers to spawn. Even at best it is not highly esteemed for food, its flesh, like that of all the Cyprinidæ, being soft and flavourless.