[5][6] The tench was first formally described in as Cyprinus tinca by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 in the 10th edition of Systema Naturae with its type locality given as "European lakes".

[2] The 5th edition of Fishes of the World classified Tinca in the subfamily Tincinae, alongside the genus Tanichthys,[8] while other authorities classified both these genera in the subfamily Leuciscinae with other Eurasian minnows, but more recent phylogenetic studies have supported it belonging to its own family Tincidae.

[12] This species is rare in clear waters across stony substrate, and is absent altogether from fast-flowing streams.

[12][14] Breeding takes place in shallow water usually among aquatic plants where the sticky green eggs can be deposited.

[17] The tench has very small scales, which are deeply embedded in a thick skin, making it as slippery as an eel.

[20] Large tench may be found in gravel pits or deep, slow-moving waters with a clayey or silty bottom and copious aquatic vegetation.

The best methods and bait to catch tench are float fishing and ledgering with a swim feeder using maggots, sweetcorn, pellets, bread, and worms.