Rutilus heckelii, also called taran, is a species of roach, a genus in the family Cyprinidae. It is native to the Black Sea basin: rivers Don, Kuban, Dnieper, Dniester, and rarely Danube. It has commercial importance. The species is very abundant especially in the Azov Sea basin. It lives in brackish and fresh waters. The taxonomic status of this fish has been controversial. It has been considered to be the same species as the common roach R. rutilus. However, molecular data have supported its distinct species status.