Centre for Aquatic Resources Research and Conservation

Centre for Aquatic Resources Research and Conservation Endemic means unique to a particular region or area. To be endemic to a place or area means that it is found only in that part of the world and nowhere else.

A comprehensive repository of photographs, datasets, references, news articles, event records, scholarly commentaries, and documents related to Philippine freshwater fishes. The Philippines is one of the seventeen megadiverse countries recognized by the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre and at the same time a biodiversity hotspot in its entirety (Heaney et al. 2004). It hosts about 3,010 f

ish species with only 343 (10%) occurring in freshwater (Froese and Pauly 2011), of which 83 are endemic, 206 are native, 44 are introduced in the country and 42 are of uncertain status. Many freshwater ecosystems of the country are experiencing natural and anthropogenic pressures and many were invaded by introduced species with many native and endemic fishes face various threats and possible extinction. The destruction of many type specimens of fishes of the Philippines has led to major crisis in the taxonomy of freshwater fishes. This page will therefore contribute to better understand part of our national heritage. The years 2011 to 2020 were recently declared as the National Decade on Biodiversity in the Philippines and this page is our contribution to the better understanding of our country's bountiful richness.

This mirrors the exact situation in the Philippines. It is a harsh irony that the entity responsible for introducing thi...
31/05/2026

This mirrors the exact situation in the Philippines. It is a harsh irony that the entity responsible for introducing this risk is the very agency obligated to protect our aquatic ecosystems.

Across India’s rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and wetlands, a silent ecological shift is underway. Fish species introduced for aquaculture, ornamental trade, mosqui

Seven years after this call, it is disheartening to see that armored catfish (π‘ƒπ‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘¦π‘”π‘œπ‘π‘™π‘–π‘β„Žπ‘‘β„Žπ‘¦π‘  π‘π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘‘π‘Žπ‘™π‘–π‘ , 𝑃. 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑗𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑠...
04/05/2026

Seven years after this call, it is disheartening to see that armored catfish (π‘ƒπ‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘¦π‘”π‘œπ‘π‘™π‘–π‘β„Žπ‘‘β„Žπ‘¦π‘  π‘π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘‘π‘Žπ‘™π‘–π‘ , 𝑃. 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑗𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑠, and their hybrids) have now invaded most rivers across Luzon.

⛔️ This is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by invasive alien species (IAS).
βœ… Responsible pet ownership is key: never release aquarium fish into natural waters.
πŸ”Ž If you encounter these species in your area, please share the coordinates. Your reports are vital in completing the distribution study and in coordinating with the proper authorities for management action.

Together, we can still make a difference. Let’s stop the spread of IAS before it’s too late.

It pains our hearts every time we document this invasive alien species (IAS), the armored catfish, π‘ƒπ‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘¦π‘”π‘œπ‘π‘™π‘–π‘β„Žπ‘‘β„Žπ‘¦π‘  π‘π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘‘π‘Žπ‘™π‘–π‘  and its congener π‘ƒπ‘‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘¦π‘”π‘œπ‘π‘™π‘–π‘β„Žπ‘‘β„Žπ‘¦π‘  𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑗𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑠.

⛔️ Please do not release your aquarium fish into natural bodies of water.

βœ… Be a responsible pet owner and help stop the spread of IAS.

πŸ”Ž If you spot this species in rivers, lakes, or other water bodies near you, kindly send us the coordinates. This will help us complete the distribution study and coordinate with the proper authorities. Thank you!

25/04/2026

This is exactly why responsible fish keeping is critical. The introduction of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) poses a severe threat to our natural waterways. Releasing a pet into the wild isn't 'freeing' it; it's potentially destroying a local ecosystem. Think before you dump.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1cGF7hc3XZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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