Roach is a fish of the carp and minnow family that lives in slightly salty lowland rivers and lakes in Europe. It is caught both for sport and for food. It usually grows 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long, but it may reach a length of 14 inches (36 centimeters). The roach is silvery, with a greenish back. The iris of the eye is bright red. The name roach is also given to a large American minnow called the golden shiner.
