Eraser pencil carp

Since the beginning of monastic life, fish farming has held great importance at the Stift Geras. The Geras monastery carp is distinguished by its exceptional quality. A large portion of the carp is sold during the pre-Christmas season: at the fish hatchery in Geras (the oldest operating fish hatchery in southern Germany), in Vienna in the courtyard of the municipal office in Meidling (access via Hufelandgasse 2), and at the Advent market in Heiligenkreuz, as well as through the monastery shop at the Schottenstift.

The carp from the Waldviertel region grows in large, naturally designed ponds, primarily feeding on plankton found in its natural habitat. Great emphasis is placed on extensive management. This means that a lower number of fish in the ponds allows for minimizing the supplementary feeding of grain. Although the yields are comparatively lower due to this approach, they ensure the highest standards in terms of health, resilience, and meat quality of the table carp.