Department of Applied Fish Biology

Last modified: 11. December 2023

Our department consists of two groups, one from Keszthely and one from Kaposvár. They are united by their common interests: to solve problems within the field of fish biology aquaculture by combining classic and modern methods. We also take part in the theoretical and practical training of agricultural engineers and conservation engineers. Our work is supported by the Leading Research Excellence, GINOP, MAHOP, and KDP.

Fishgenomics “Élvonal” Research Group (Keszthely)
The group was formed in 2018 to study genomic factors determining the sex of fish. This work is a continuation of a decades-long successful foreign program that could pave the way for hormone-free sex conversion in farmed fish. The focus of their research is on the process of sex change, using zebrafish as a model. In addition, molecular aspects of fish-fish pathogens and chemical-free therapeutic options are being studied.

Fish Farming Research Group (Keszthely)
The main goals of this practice-oriented group are the development of traditional, semi-intensive fishpond and combined technologies, the optimization of fish breeding and feeding, and the introduction of new productive species. Their work is mostly concentrated on native predatory fish species such as pike and pikeperch. In recent years, the group has worked on catfish. In addition to the development of production technology, there is also a selection program with the help of genetic markers.

Fish Feeding Research Group (Kaposvár)
This research group continues the decades-long fisheries scientific and educational work of the University of Kaposvár. In the expansive laboratory, a large range of Hungarian fish farming methods can be researched. Currently, the research is mainly concentrated on fish feeding and husbandry technology. Great emphasis is also placed on the development of water-saving aquaculture systems and support for lake fish production processes.