Aquarium fish escapes into crater lake, scientists fear biodiversity risk
The invasive Flowerhorn cichlid, an aquarium hybrid, has established a wild population in the Philippines' Lake Sampaloc. Scientists warn that the fish threatens native biodiversity and local aquaculture.
Why it matters
Invasive species can cause irreversible damage to local ecosystems and food security, particularly in already degraded environments.
A human-bred aquarium fish prized for its bright gold colour and distinctive head hump has escaped into a volcanic crater lake in the Philippines, where scientists fear it is threatening native wildlife and spreading into local aquaculture.Flowerhorn cichlids, an artificial hybrid species created by crossbreeding various cichlid varieties for the ornamental pet trade, are believed to have entered Lake Sampaloc after escaping from nearby breeding facilities during a typhoon. The 104-hectare water body, located in San Pablo City, now hosts an established wild population of the invasive predator.Research conducted by Hannah Nicole C Gasmen and Dr Janice A Ragaza of Ateneo de Manila University reveals that the fish have successfully integrated into the lake's ecosystem. Because flowerhorns are highly adaptable and can survive in harsh, degraded environments, local fish farmers are keeping individuals that enter tilapia cages and selling them back into the pet trade.
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