(Photo by Mariko Aboganda)
This fish could potentially pose a threat to native fish species in the said lake.
The fish, Barbonymus schwanefeldii, or tinfoil barb, characterized by its silver scales and orange fins and tail, was discovered in parts of Laguna Lake in Cardona, Rizal as early as September 2024.
The study by Ateneo biologists revealed that previously, this fish was only seen in the ornamental fish trade and had not been found in any river or lake in the country before its discovery in Laguna Lake.
This omnivorous fish, which feeds on both plants and animals, and detritivorous, consuming dead animals or plants, was originally found only in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos.
"The mode of introduction of this species into Laguna de Bay is unknown; it may have been accidentally or intentionally released from an aquarium, given its significance in the aquarium industry," Ateneo scientists stated.
"The large expanse of Laguna de Bay and the migratory behavior of this species, coupled with a generalist feeding habit, suggest that it may be more widespread and may have moved into rivers that feed into the lake, thereby aggravating its spread," the scientists further added.
The scientists suggested that the presence of B. schwanefeldii in Laguna de Bay might compete with native fish for food in the lake.
"Although ours was the first confirmed sighting of B. schwanefeldii in Laguna de Bay, sightings have also been reported in nearby rivers such as in Pagsanjan, Laguna, and elsewhere. We hope that local authorities can help raise awareness and enhance monitoring efforts, not just for this but for other invasive species as well," lead researcher Kent Elson Sorgon commented.
