AquaSearch ova ApS
AquaSearch ova ApS is a Danish rainbow trout egg breeding and production company supplying certified disease-free eyed eggs with QTL marker-assisted genetics to commercial trout producers across 35+ countries through direct sales and a global distributor network; it is a fully owned subsidiary of AquaGen AS.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2006
- HeadquartersBillund, Denmark
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What AquaSearch ova ApS does
AquaSearch ova ApS is a Danish rainbow trout egg breeding and production company headquartered in Billund, Denmark, supplying certified specific disease-free (SPF) eyed trout eggs to commercial aquaculture producers in more than 35 countries. The company was formally founded in 2006, building on Danish broodstock farming traditions dating to the 1960s, and operates five individually approved broodstock farms across Denmark (Hørup Mølle, Refsgård, Halle Søhuse, Hallesø, and Fårup Mølle) supplemented by partner farms in South Africa and Slovenia. AquaSearch has been a fully owned subsidiary of Norwegian-based AquaGen AS since early 2025, following AquaGen's initial 51% acquisition in 2017; this combination provides access to AquaGen's Norwegian breeding lines that underpin the AquaSearch CROSS+ hybrid strain.
The company's product portfolio spans ten distinct lines (CROSS+, FRESH, LATE, TRIP, BROWN, GOLD, QTL's, RBT, MIXED, VIRGIN) differentiated by size target (pan-size 250-450g through triploid 5-8 kg), ploidy, color, and genetic profile. Underlying technology includes a 200-400 family structured breeding program with pedigree-linked DNA samples and PIT tags, validated QTL markers for resistance to RTFS, Vibrio, Ich/White Spot, IPN, and Flavobacterium developed with Copenhagen University, a patented 'No Second Winter' genetic marker for late maturation, vision-based egg sorting (since 2008/2012), high-pressure triploidization for sterile trout, and the AquaGen x AquaSearch hybrid CROSS+ strain offering documented growth potential of 3.5+ kg and saltwater tolerance. Field-validated performance includes 2.1% mortality versus 15.8% in controls in a 29-day RTFS trial under commercial conditions without antibiotics.
AquaSearch generates revenue primarily through one-time sales of eyed eggs to commercial trout producers, with quote-based pricing and a sales motion combining direct sales from the Billund headquarters, a network of approximately ten regional agents and distributors (Mexico, China, Romania, Colombia, Türkiye, Eurasia, Balkans, Afghanistan), and a formal distribution partnership with TroutEx formalized in August 2023. The customer base is fragmented across geographies and aquaculture operations ranging from pan-size producers to large steelhead and triploid producers, with no single named enterprise customer disclosed. Marketing channels include industry trade shows (Future Fish in Türkiye, AQUA 2024 in Copenhagen), email newsletters, and direct sales outreach.
AquaSearch ova ApS firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- AquaSearch ova ApS
- Legal name
- AquaSearch ova ApS
- Website
- https://aquasearch.dk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2006
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- AquaSearch ova ApS is a Danish rainbow trout egg breeding and production company supplying certified disease-free eyed eggs with QTL marker-assisted genetics to commercial trout producers across 35+ countries through direct sales and a global distributor network; it is a fully owned subsidiary of AquaGen AS.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
AquaSearch ova ApS industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Aquaculture genetics and trout egg production
- NAICS
- Finfish Farming and Fish Hatcheries (112511), Aquaculture (1125), Animal Production and Aquaculture (112)
- SIC
- Agricultural Prod-Livestock & Animal Specialties (200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Salmonid Hatcheries (Salmon, Trout, Char) (AFAEAKAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Hatchery, Nursery & Seed Production (aquaculture-specific) (AFAEAAAF), Finfish Hatcheries (Freshwater & Marine) (AFAEAKAA), Aquaculture Breeding & Genetics Services (e.g., broodstock improvement) (AFAEAJAN), Broodstock Development & Management (Genetic Lines, SPF/SPR Broodstock) (AFAEAKAG)
Keywords
Where AquaSearch ova ApS is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Billund
- HQ country
- Denmark
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices6 records
Markets served
AquaSearch ova ApS business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Rainbow Trout Egg Sales: Production and sale of certified specific disease-free rainbow trout eggs across multiple product lines (CROSS+, FRESH, LATE, TRIP, BROWN, GOLD, QTL's, RBT, MIXED, VIRGIN). Products are sold as eyed eggs to commercial trout producers globally.
- Genetic Material and Breeding Services: Custom breeding services using QTL marker-assisted selection, providing genetically characterized egg batches with specific trait improvements (RTFS resistance, late maturation, vibriosis resistance, white spot disease resistance, pigmentation).
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | AquaSearch product lines vary by breeding characteristics, size target, and genetic traits. |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels3 records
AquaSearch ova ApS product offering
Product offeringCore offering
AquaSearch ova ApS breeds, produces, and supplies certified disease-free rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) eyed eggs and live broodstock to commercial trout producers worldwide. The company maintains a Danish-origin broodstock line developed since the 1960s and offers multiple specialized egg product lines (CROSS+, FRESH, LATE, TRIP, BROWN, GOLD, QTL's, RBT, MIXED, VIRGIN) tailored to different farming conditions and production cycles.
Product overview
AquaSearch ova ApS operates as a rainbow trout egg breeding and production company offering a comprehensive portfolio of genetically selected trout eggs organized into product lines differentiated by size, color, ploidy, and genetic characteristics. The core product range includes CROSS+ (high-growth hybrid with AquaGen genetics up to 3.5+ kg), FRESH and RBT (pan-size portions 250-450g), LATE and TRIP (large trout 1-8 kg with maturation control via triploidization or genetic selection), BROWN (indigenous brown trout), GOLD (color variant with golden skin), and VIRGIN (first-spawning genetics for RAS systems). QTL's represents a genetic marker add-on service enabling custom disease resistance and performance traits. Technical support services cover egg reception, acclimatization, incubation equipment guidance, and first feeding protocols. The company was founded in 2006, with sorting/packing facilities established in Billund in 2011, and became a fully owned subsidiary of AquaGen AS in early 2025 following their initial 51% acquisition in 2017.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Eyed Rainbow Trout Eggs (multiple product lines: CROSS+, FRESH, LATE, TRIP, BROWN, GOLD, QTL's, RBT, MIXED, VIRGIN)
Quantifiable outcome
- 2.1% vs 15.8% mortality in RTFS field trial (29 days, no antibiotic treatment)
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use AquaSearch ova ApS
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
AquaSearch ova ApS technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
AquaSearch ova ApS partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and regional.
- TroutEx / Jørgen Jøker TrachselcoreAquaSearch formalized cooperation with TroutEx owner Jørgen Jøker Trachsel for future sales and distribution of his entire product portfolio of eyed rainbow trout eggs, including his well-renowned late maturing strain. The partnership also expects to gradually expand into breeding and genetics cooperation. This initiative improves year-round availability and security of supply for AquaSearch customers.
- Copenhagen UniversitycoreAquaSearch runs two scientific research projects with Copenhagen University: Green Fish Breeding (GREFIB) focusing on genetic markers for natural resistance against fish diseases (VHS, IPN, IHN) through lab challenge trials and GWAS; and EGYR (Efficient breeding of RTFS resistant rainbow trout) validating genetic markers for RTFS resistance in lab and field conditions. These collaborations have resulted in identification and validation of several disease resistance QTLs.
- Trans-Ocean Trading Co., Ltd.regionalDistributor for China, managed by Xiaojie Wang. Handles sales and distribution of AquaSearch products in the Chinese market.
- Vianey Gonzàlez Melo / Fidel Glockner RosainzregionalDistributor team for Mexico. Handles sales and distribution of AquaSearch rainbow trout eggs in Mexico.
- SC DREAM FISH SRLregionalDistributor for Romania, managed by Andrei Gavril. Handles sales and distribution of AquaSearch products in the Romanian market.
- AQUAHELIXregionalDistributor for Colombia, handling sales and distribution of AquaSearch products in the Colombian market.
- Sinan TopluregionalAgent for Türkiye. Participated with AquaSearch at Future Fish exhibition in Turkey. Handles sales and distribution of AquaSearch products in the Turkish market.
- Jon MkrtchyanregionalSales Manager Eurasia based in Armenia, with PhD in biological science from Yerevan State University and work history in aquaculture industry. Manages sales across Eurasian territory.
- Radovan BabicregionalAgent for the Balkan region, handling sales and distribution of AquaSearch products across Balkan countries.
- Aziz Ahmad KhaksarregionalAgent for Afghanistan, handling sales and distribution of AquaSearch products in the Afghan market.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights7 records
AquaSearch ova ApS competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- StofnFiskur: StofnFiskur is an Icelandic salmonid egg producer (now part of Benchmark) specializing in Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout ova. Competes with AquaSearch in European and global trout egg markets with similar family breeding programs and SPF status.
- AquaGen AS: AquaGen is the parent company of AquaSearch and itself a major salmonid genetics supplier focused on Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout eggs in Norway, Chile, and global markets. Provides direct comparison on QTL-based breeding programs and salmonid egg supply, and is now AquaSearch's controlling shareholder.
- SalmoBreed: SalmoBreed (acquired by Benchmark Genetics) is a Norwegian salmonid breeding company focused on Atlantic salmon and trout genetics. Competes in adjacent salmonid egg markets with QTL-based selection programs for disease resistance.
- Troutlodge (Hendrix Genetics): Troutlodge, part of Hendrix Genetics, is one of the largest global producers of rainbow trout eggs with breeding programs in the US and Chile. Directly competes with AquaSearch in commercial trout egg supply and offers comparable all-female, triploid, and disease-resistant product lines.
- Benchmark Genetics: Benchmark Genetics (including acquired SalmoBreed and StofnFiskur) is a leading aquaculture genetics company with salmonid breeding programs in Norway, Iceland, and Chile. Comparable in offering genetically improved Atlantic salmon and trout eggs with focus on disease resistance and growth traits.
Emerging players
- AquaBounty Technologies: AquaBounty produces genetically engineered (transgenic) AquAdvantage salmon, focused on faster-growing Atlantic salmon. While species and technology differ, AquaBounty represents an emerging competitor in genetically improved salmonid production with regulatory-approved enhanced genetics.
- Center for Aquaculture Technologies: CAT is an aquaculture R&D services company providing genetic selection, disease challenge trials, and breeding program support. Complementary to AquaSearch's offerings but represents an emerging competitor in molecular breeding services for salmonids and other aquaculture species.
- Cryogenetics: Cryogenetics provides cryopreservation of salmonid genetic material, enabling year-round availability and biosecure transport. Adjacent/emerging competitor in trout genetics services with overlapping customer base of commercial trout producers seeking SPF and off-season supply.
- TroutEx (Jørgen Jøker Trachsel): TroutEx is an independent supplier of late-maturing rainbow trout eyed eggs that formalized a distribution partnership with AquaSearch in August 2023. While now a partner, TroutEx represents an emerging independent competitor in the late-maturing strain segment of the trout egg market.
Broad incumbents
- Akva Group: Akva Group is a broad aquaculture equipment and technology supplier including some genetics services. While primarily serving equipment/netting needs, its broad portfolio and global presence make it an incumbent adjacent player in the salmonid value chain where AquaSearch operates.
Market position
Weaknesses1 record
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
AquaSearch ova ApS social profiles
Digital presenceAquaSearch ova ApS compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
AquaSearch ova ApS financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
AquaSearch ova ApS leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
AquaSearch ova ApS funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
AquaSearch ova ApS M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about AquaSearch ova ApS
What does AquaSearch ova ApS do?
AquaSearch ova ApS breeds, produces, and supplies certified disease-free rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) eyed eggs and live broodstock to commercial trout producers worldwide. The company maintains a Danish-origin broodstock line developed since the 1960s and offers multiple specialized egg product lines (CROSS+, FRESH, LATE, TRIP, BROWN, GOLD, QTL's, RBT, MIXED, VIRGIN) tailored to different farming conditions and production cycles.
Is AquaSearch ova ApS a public or private company?
AquaSearch ova ApS is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was AquaSearch ova ApS founded?
AquaSearch ova ApS was founded in 2006. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is AquaSearch ova ApS based?
AquaSearch ova ApS is headquartered in Billund, Denmark, in the Europe region.
How does AquaSearch ova ApS make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Rainbow Trout Egg Sales are the primary driver. The others are genetic Material and Breeding Services.
Who are AquaSearch ova ApS's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are StofnFiskur, AquaGen AS, SalmoBreed, Troutlodge (Hendrix Genetics) and Benchmark Genetics. Emerging players are AquaBounty Technologies, Center for Aquaculture Technologies, Cryogenetics and TroutEx (Jørgen Jøker Trachsel). Akva Group is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does AquaSearch ova ApS have an API?
No public API is recorded for AquaSearch ova ApS.
What industry is AquaSearch ova ApS in?
AquaSearch ova ApS's product category is Aquaculture genetics and trout egg production. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAEAKAD, Salmonid Hatcheries (Salmon, Trout, Char), with a secondary code of AFAEAAAF, Hatchery, Nursery & Seed Production (aquaculture-specific). Its NAICS code is 112511 and its SIC code is 200.