Researchers at the Ateneo de Manila University have raised the alarm over the presence of a silver-colored aquarium fish that could affect the ecosystem of the country’s largest freshwater lake, the Laguna de Bay, and its tributaries. In a statement, the researchers said the fish, called “tinfoil barb” (Barbonymus schwanenfeldii), were confirmed to be present in the area around the lake. The fish, which is native to many parts of Southeast Asia outside the Philippines, is a fast-growing omnivorous species whose eye-catching metallic appearance makes it a popular ornamental fish. But if released in the wild, it could beat out native fish for food and breeding grounds, the researchers said.

Mendoza, R. (2025, July 2). Tinfoil barb a threat to Laguna de Bay. The Manila Times, pp. A1, A2.