The government is monitoring the potentially disruptive presence of the freshwater fish tinfoil barb in Laguna de Bay, evaluating its ecological and socio-economic harm to native fish. The tinfoil barb, which inhabits Southeast Asia but not the Philippines, is commonly kept as an aquarium pet. It is a fast-growing omnivorous species that feeds on both plant and animal substances. It can rapidly outcompete native fish for food and breeding grounds. In a statement on Wednesday, the Department of Agriculture Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) said it is ”closely coordinating with concerned local government units (LGUs) and the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA).”

Dela Cruz, M. D. (2025, July 3). DA studying tinfoil barb impact on Laguna Lake. The Manila Times, p. B2.