Tinca Tinca is a species of freshwater fish commonly known as the tench. Synonyms for this species include the Latin name Schizothorax, which is used in some parts of Asia, and the English name "doctor fish." The tench is a popular game fish in Europe, prized for its large size and fighting ability. Other common names for this species include "dumpy," "green tench," and "leather carp." Despite its popularity among anglers, the tench is also considered a nuisance species in some areas, where it can cause ecological problems due to its voracious appetite for aquatic plants and invertebrates.