The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

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?

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..

Thanks I'll look it up when I can!

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.

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

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

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