WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • MARCH 2026 37 (CONTINUED ON PAGE 38) further corroborate these findings, revealing significant amounts of plastic waste and visible contaminants within Lake Sampaloc’s waters, as well as open dumpsites situated near its shores. This localized waste mismanagement compounds pollutant influx and degradation of water quality. Literature suggests that chronic exposure to such contaminants may compromise fish immunity and increase susceptibility to parasitic infections; degraded water quality coupled with invasive dominance could facilitate the persistence and transmission of parasites in local aquatic systems. Hydrological disturbances compound these issues by enhancing pollutant transport and nutrient dynamics. Casim et al. (2023) reported significant fluctuations in chlorophyll-a and nutrient concentrations following tropical storms, demonstrating how episodic weather events drive eutrophication, algal blooms, and contaminant redistribution. These dynamic conditions not only destabilize the native biota but also strengthen the competitive advantage of Flowerhorn cichlids, whose phenotypic plasticity and physiological tolerance enable survival and dominance under anthropogenically stressed environments. Fish Pen Farming of Flowerhorn Cichlids Flowerhorn are now intentionally penned alongside tilapia for ornamental sales in Lake Sampaloc. Field observations during an on-site survey revealed that Flowerhorn cichlids (Amphilophus spp.), originally introduced as ornamental fish, are now being incorporated into local aquaculture practices. A caretaker managing fish pens in Barangay IV-A explained that their primary focus remains on farming Oreochromis species (O. niloticus and O. aureus) (Figure 5), which are highly valued for food and commercial purposes. However, wild Flowerhorn entering tilapia pens (Figure 6) are retained and on-sold as ornamentals, and some pens now stock them intentionally. According to the caretaker, this practice stems from the species’ remarkable resilience, comparable to that of tilapia, and their dominance within the lake. Rather than discarding them as an ecological nuisance, a fish farm has adapted by capitalizing on their abundance and hardy nature. The cichlids are primarily sold for the ornamental pet trade, with larger specimens priced at approximately $0.50 per fish, and the smaller ones at around $0.35 per fish (Caretaker interview, August 2025). While residents of Barangay IV-A do not consume the fish, visiting locals from Laguna Province and nearby areas were observed catching Flowerhorn cichlids during recreational fishing and incorporating them into home-cooked meals. These individuals depicted the taste and texture of the fish as fattier and oilier than tilapia, giving it a distinct culinary profile (Figure 7). We do not recommend consumption pending risk assessment for helminths and contaminants; if consumed, fish must be thoroughly cooked. Recent research from India reports the first confirmed case of Paracapillaria philippinensis, a parasitic nematode with zoonotic potential, infecting Flowerhorn cichlids in ornamental fish facilities. The study confirmed the presence of adult worms, larvae, and eggs, establishing Flowerhorn cichlids as competent hosts for this parasite (Arumugam et al., 2024). This raises significant public health concerns; if invasive Flowerhorns in natural systems such as Lake Sampaloc harbor this parasite, they could act as persistent reservoirs of infection. Therefore, promoting the consumption of Flowerhorns as a control strategy cannot proceed without rigorous risk assessment and food safety evaluation. This adaptive utilization exemplifies a pragmatic human response to an invasive species, turning an ecological threat into an economic opportunity. However, the intentional propagation and commercialization of Flowerhorn cichlids risks sustaining or even expanding their invasive population in Lake Sampaloc, thereby exacerbating ecological pressures on native biodiversity. If farming Flowerhorns remains a practice, implementing stricter aquaculture biosecurity protocols can significantly mitigate the risk of invasive species proliferation in Lake Sampaloc. Pens should be constructed with durable, stable, and HACCP-compliant materials to withstand environmental stress while minimizing ecological impact. Frames should be fabricated from rust-free and FIGURE 5. Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus and O. aureus) placed in a plastic basin prior to selling. Photo: H.N. Gasmen. FIGURE 6. A caretaker manages Flowerhorns in a fish pen, showcasing a fish farm’s role in harvesting and maintaining the species for aquaculture and ornamental sale. Photo: H.N. Gasmen.
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