VIDEO: The famous “Balaton shark” almost caused panic near Tihany

A mysterious “shark” has resurfaced near Tihany, but once again, it’s not a bloodthirsty sea predator. While the strange sight startled many, experts confirm there’s no cause for concern—Lake Balaton remains safe, and there are absolutely no sharks in Hungary’s beloved “sea.”

Shark in Lake Balaton?

As Szeretlek Magyarország reports, Lake Balaton occasionally surprises its visitors with unusual and fascinating phenomena—one of the most talked-about being the recurring “shark sightings.” In recent years, there have been multiple instances where swimmers or boaters claimed to see a dorsal fin slicing through the water, closely resembling a marine predator. The latest sighting occurred near Tihany in July 2025, when a massive dorsal fin was spotted breaking the lake’s surface.

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While startling, this occurrence is not new. The legend of the Balaton “shark” has circulated among vacationers for years. In reality, there’s never been a shark in Lake Balaton—nor could there be, as sharks can only survive in saltwater.

What was captured on video?

Experts believe the so-called “shark” was in fact a silver carp—or more precisely, a hybrid carp—introduced to the lake through artificial stocking in the 1960s. These fish can grow impressively large, reaching up to 40–50 kilograms (about 88–110 pounds) and lengths of up to 1.5 meters (nearly 5 feet), with lifespans of up to 30 years. When swimming near the surface, their prominent dorsal fin can easily mislead observers, especially those who know sharks only from movies. However, Balaton’s silver carp are far smaller than actual sharks and pose no threat whatsoever to humans.

Here’s the video:

Because silver carp cannot reproduce in Lake Balaton, their population is gradually decreasing. Experts anticipate the species will naturally phase out due to ageing. The odd behaviours of ageing or sick carp also help explain the sightings: these fish are more likely to swim near the surface, and their distinctive dorsal fins can easily be mistaken for something more sinister. As a result, rumours of a mysterious Balaton predator resurface from time to time—but there’s really nothing to fear.

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Lake Balaton’s unique ecosystem

Even if sharks aren’t part of the equation, Lake Balaton boasts a unique and valuable ecosystem. In recent years, fishery data show a decline in the catches of both silver carp and dwarf catfish. This trend reflects ongoing changes in the lake’s ecosystem, which experts are closely monitoring.

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