Biodiversity fears as human-bred hybrid fish integrate into Philippines lake
Invasive flowerhorn cichlids, which escaped from breeding facilities, are threatening the biodiversity of Lake Sampaloc in the Philippines. Scientists warn that these hybrid fish are outcompeting native species and thriving in the lake's polluted environment.
Why it matters
The introduction of invasive species into local ecosystems threatens food security and native biodiversity, highlighting the impact of human-bred hybrids on nature.
Flowerhorn cichlids are aquarium fish prized for their bright-gold colour and prominent head humps./Getty Images Flowerhorn cichlids are aquarium fish prized for their bright-gold colour and prominent head humps./Getty Images Invasive species Biodiversity fears as human-bred hybrid fish integrate into Philippines lake Escaped flowerhorn cichlids in Lake Sampaloc are causing concern for native species and about parasites capable of infecting humans
Prefer the Guardian on Google Escaped ornamental aquarium fish have integrated into a local ecosystem in the Philippines , but scientists say they may be threatening the native biodiversity of the lake.
Flowerhorn cichlids – human-bred hybrid fish prized for their bright-gold colour and prominent head humps – are believed to have escaped from breeding facilities into Lake Sampaloc, which sits in a volcanic crater, during a typhoon.
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