Carp: this species makes the decisive majority of commercialized fish in Hungary, being also a beloved prey for anglers. Adaptation and breeding resulted in a large diversity of forms within the species, of which most frequently encountered are the following ones: Scaled carp is the common, most ancient original form, of long slender shape, overall covered with scales. Breeding in fisheries resulted in more robust body, also completely scaled. Mirror carp is a nobler variety, scaled only on specific spots, like the backbone and tail area, and the area just behind the branchiae. Koi carp was bred as ornamental fish; body forms and colour shades are largely variable.

Spawning occurs in April - June, at water temperatures of 18 - 22 °C. Groups of spawners visit shallow waters with abundant vegetation. Larvae hatch after 3 - 4 days, and depend on the own yolk for further 4 - 5 days. Feeding starts on plankton, slowly switching over to larvae, plant remnants, etc. Carp is essentially omnivorous, in a protein-scarce environment fish-hunting by larger ones was also observed.

Czikkhalas Kft. markets mainly adult (three-summer) carp, along with smaller amounts of one- or two-summer fishes. Carp production makes up 90 - 92 procent of the overall output.

Amur-fish (Ctenopharyngodon idella) is a strong-muscled, torpedo-like herbivorous fish, endemic in the large Chinese rivers (Yangtze, Amur, Yellow River). It was naturalised in Hungary in 1963, and has very well adapted itself to the local environment, including lakes and lagoons. Young fish start feeding on zooplanktons, gradually switching over to submerged plants. Young fish 5 - 6 cm long already feed predominantly on plants, whereas 2 - 3 years old ones already attack young sprouts of reed and sedge. Preferred plants are consumed first, therefore shore cleaning is at the beginning not spectacular. Due to ecological problems caused by intensive plant consumption, stocking of natural waters is now forbidden.

On the other hand, Amur-fish is a preferred prey for anglers. It is fast-growing, good sport, and its lean meat is very tasty. No special angling methods are required; it is usually caught along with carp.

To satisfy the demand by anglers' associations, our Company breeds moderate amounts (4 procent of the overall output) of Amur-fish.

Pike-perch is well known and beloved raptor fish in Hungarian waters. The long body is covered by small scales, the mouth is equipped with sharp-tipped, conic teeth, of which a pair of upper and lower teeth are longer than the others (canines). The large mouth ends behind the line of the eyes. Pike-perch populates both lakes and rivers, with a preference for harder, sludge-less water.

Spawning occurs in March-April, characteristically in pairs. Preferred spots are submerged tree roots or hard bottom, which is thoroughly cleaned. The nest is prepared by the male, who also cares for protection after spawning. Larvae move up and down between bottom and surface and thus are spread over a large area. After yolk is consumed, the small larvae can feed on the smallest planktons only, given their narrow mouth and gullet. Once grown to a length of 3 - 4 cm, young fishes gradually start hunting. Preferred prey are fish with lower back, such as blake, ruff, etc. Compared to pike, it is less voracious, due to slower digestion.

There is practically unlimited demand for pike-perch, its meat is the most appreciated one on the market. Anglers' associations are eager to purchase one-summer or two-summer old specimens. Czikkhalas Kft. gives increasing attention to this species.

Pike is the best known endemic raptor fish in Hungarian waters. The slender body bears a rather large head, characteristically curved upward. The mouth contains several rows of backward directed teeth. Skin colours vary from silvery-golden to metal-blue or greenish. Typically lives in lakes, hidden in vegetation-covered zones near the shore. Pike is a daytime hunter, and never follows the prey, if the first attack has failed. Feeding is nearly continuous, pauses only for the spawning season and the periods of teeth change. The dimensions of the sexes are largely different, spawners growing significantly larger than milters. Spawning occurs in groups, on large surfaces, early, usually by end of February, after de-icing.

Roe is deposited in shallow water, with abundant vegetation. After rather long incubation (12 - 14 days), the hatched larvae hang a few more days on plants, then start feeding immediately after inflation of the swim-bladder. Hunting starts at the age of 2 - 3 weeks, on prey like larvae of other fish (carp-bream), in some cases of their own kin, too.

Because of live customer interest, our Company grows primarily pike among raptor fish species. Pike is an excellent sport, mainly in the autumn angling period. The tasty meat is lean and specific.

Silure is the largest raptor fish of Hungarian waters. The large flat head continues in a short trunk and very long tail. Silure is present in most of our lakes and large rivers. Anglers are especially fond of it, being a hard challenge and a most appreciated trophy.

It is also most welcome in larger fisheries, because it feeds on valueless small fishes (so-called "weeds"), and is a valuable tasty product on the market. During daytime mostly rests in deep, sludgy water. Usual feeding time is by night, daytime feeding occurs mostly during the spawning season of the usual prey fish species.

Silure is especially active in its own spawning season. Groups of two-three fishes search for appropriate spawning spots (under submerged roots of tree, sedge), which then are thoroughly cleaned by wagging tails. Spawning occurs in May-June, once water temperature has reached 20°C.

The nest is watched by the male, chasing away all enemies and refreshing the water by tail-wagging. Larvae hatch after 3 - 7 days, and feed on own yolk for another week. Young fish start feeding on zooplankton, but soon switch over to mosquito larvae, and start predatory behaviour at a body length of 4 -5 cm. Adult silure feed mainly on small fish, but catch on anything available (corpses, water fowl, small mammals, batrachians).