Animals

Fortunately, the “Hungarian Sea” has preserved much of its natural richness, and the fauna of place remains remarkably diverse. Among the most important species for maintaining water quality are the zebra mussel and the freshwater sponge. Various species of marsh snails can be found in the reed beds and streams.
Among the creatures at the base of the food chain, the countless insects are also worth mentioning. Pond skaters glide across the water surface alongside diving beetles, while the air is filled with colourful dragonflies, butterflies and, unfortunately for tourists, mosquitoes. It is worth noting that the non-biting midges swarming around lamps do not sting, unlike the yellow mosquito.
Insects and their larvae provide an important food source for the fish population of the lake. Smaller fish, such as bleak, move in large shoals, while perch, ruffe, pumpkinseed and rudd inhabit the shallow shoreline waters. An interesting fish species of the Tapolca Stream is the chub, and trout also occasionally appear there.
The most common fish in the lake are bream and crucian carp, alongside regularly stocked common carp. The silver carp, originally introduced to control aquatic vegetation, has multiplied considerably and has become a favourite target for anglers.
Lurking among the reeds is the wels catfish, which can grow to two metres or more in length. As the lake’s largest predator, it may even pose a threat to ducks. Pike also hunt along the shoreline, while the undisputed ruler of the deeper waters is the pike-perch, one of the characteristic fish species of the lake.
Several reptiles prey on smaller fish, especially dice snakes and grass snakes, while the European pond turtle also inhabits the lake. Frog populations are also abundant. The most common species include the European tree frog, marsh frog, edible frog and fire-bellied toad, whose calls form the familiar “music” of summer evenings in Szigliget.
Reptiles are mainly threatened by water birds. Great egrets and grey herons are regularly seen among the reeds and along the Tapolca Stream, while the more cautious black-crowned night heron is usually heard rather than seen. Among the more secretive birds are the great crested grebe, little crake, coot and the rare but striking kingfisher.
The reed beds are inhabited by smaller birds such as the sedge warbler, great reed warbler and river warbler, while marsh harriers circle ominously overhead. Frequently seen and almost emblematic species include the mute swan, mallard duck, black-headed gull and common tern around the harbour.
Among mammals, the stocky muskrat and the rarely seen but agile otter are notable inhabitants. The reed beds and meadows along the shore are also home to large populations of red deer, roe deer and wild boar.

Plants

Along the northern shore of place, remnants of the once vast reed beds still survive today. These wetlands are dominated by common reed, narrowleaf cattail and tussock sedge. Beneath the water grow pondweeds and filamentous algae, while duckweed floats on the surface.
Yellow water lilies, bladderwort and white water lilies have established themselves along the shoreline and in the streams. In many places, large alders and pedunculate oaks provide welcome shade for anglers along the banks. Lombardy poplars planted beside the streams rise prominently above the landscape.
The marsh meadows around Szigliget also shelter rare and valuable plant species. Visitors may admire various protected orchids, the marsh gladiolus and the fringed gentian. The wetlands around the village are also home to relatively large populations of cotton sedge, marsh foxtail grass and fragrant wild onion.