Halastó

Halastó is a man-made pond used for fish farming, particularly of freshwater fish such as carp, in Hungary and parts of Central Europe. The name combines hal (fish) and tó (lake) in Hungarian.

Construction typically involves earth dikes forming a shallow to moderate-depth pond. Many halastók are lined with clay or a synthetic liner to reduce seepage and are supplied with water from springs, groundwater, or streams. Water levels are controlled with sluices, and some ponds include aeration and drainage channels. Halastók may be part of a larger fishery system with separate zones for breeding, fattening, and harvesting.

The most common species is the common carp (Cyprinus carpio), though other fish such as catfish or pike-perch may also be raised. The production cycle typically includes stocking juvenile fish, feeding, growth to market size, and seasonal harvesting; in colder climates some operations winterize or restock annually.

Halastók have a long history in Hungary, forming a component of rural agricultural landscapes. Carp ponds have been central to traditional Christmas carp dishes. Today halastók range from small-scale ponds on farms or in private yards to larger commercial operations, managed with attention to water quality, biodiversity, and environmental considerations.