Black Spots

[Santiago]

I've just caught quite a few roach that have black spots on spread over their bodies. The spots are about 2 to 4 mm in diameter and raised like tubicles. I've never seen these before, anyone any ideas?

[CWK]

I believe that black spot is a parasitic infection that roach are prone to . It seems to infect them in certain waters but is rarely fatal..

[Santiago]

Thanks I'll look it up when I can!

[DaceAce]

It is a parasite with a complex lifecycle that includes herons (that eat roach) and snails. As roach eat a lot of tiny snails they are particularly prone to it but also seen on dace, chub and rudd.

[Dave Burr]

They do ruin the look of the roach, one of my pools is badly effected but it does no real harm to the fish. If you catch a spotty two pounder I suggest a spot of Photoshopping may be called for

[Michael]

You do realise, its contagious to humans, check your extremities, quickly ..........

[Santiago]

Too late. I think I might have a bad case!