The native catfish or pantat (Clarias macrocephalus) is staging a comeback. Pantat has virtually disappeared from the waters of Iloilo, mainly due to high pesticide use in rice farms whose contaminated run-off water flowed into rivers and streams poisoned natural spawning grounds. In addition, the very fast growth and reproduction of introduced foreign species-the African catfish (C. gariepinus) and the Thailand catfish (C. batrachus) that were perceived to be impervious to pesticide pollution contributed to the decline in native catfish population.

Seafdec to hold training on seed production of catfish. (1999, October 7). Daily Informer, pp. B1, B4.