Newsletter: Escaped flowerhorn fish threaten Laguna biodiversity, pose potential public health risks

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Danika Geronimo, Ateneo Research Communications

A hardy aquarium fish prized for its golden hue, the ornamental Flowerhorn cichlid (Amphilophus spp.) has become a problem for the residents of San Pablo City, Laguna: it is increasingly taking on an outsized role in both the natural ecosystem and local aquaculture operations in nearby Lake Sampaloc.

Researchers from the Ateneo de Manila University Department of Biology and the Ateneo Aquatic and Fisheries Resources Laboratory have documented the broad presence of Flowerhorn cichlids in the volcanic crater lake in San Pablo City, Laguna. The researchers say that this “fenced and feral” status is intensifying pressure on native biodiversity and posing potential risks to public health.

Sought after in the aquarium trade for their vibrant golden hue, Flowerhorn cichlids are becoming a concerning invasive presence in Lake Sampaloc. SOURCE: Gasmen, 2026.

Originally introduced through the aquarium trade, Flowerhorns reportedly escaped into the lake during a major typhoon, and fish assemblage surveys as early as 2016 had already documented their establishment. Researchers Hannah Nicole C. Gasmen and Dr. Janice A. Ragaza discovered that the species “are no longer merely escaped ornamental fishes, but have become integrated into local aquaculture through intentional retention and sale, indicating that human activities may continue to reinforce their persistence and spread.”

Newsletter: Ateneo scientists research potential anti-ulcer vaccine

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Since ancient times, it was thought that painful stomach ulcers were caused by eating spicy foods or having an unhealthy diet. But since then, researchers have found that Helicobacter pylori—a common bacterium found in over 60% of the world’s population—was the real culprit behind most stomach ulcers and a high risk for stomach cancer. 

Amnesia-causing diatoms found in Luzon shellfish farms

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The densely-populated island of Luzon is home to over half of the Philippines’ population, many of whom consume shellfish on a regular basis. An international team of scientists has just confirmed the presence there of two species of Pseudo-nitzschia diatoms capable of producing a dangerous neurotoxin that can cause severe sickness and memory loss. 

Light microscope and transmission electron microscope photographs of Pseudo-nitzschia pungens var. Pungens (top two photos) and Pseudo-nitzschia brasiliana (bottom two photos) found in Luzon shellfish farms. Both species produce domoic acid, a dangerous neurotoxin. CREDIT: Botavara et al.

Poetically described as “algae that live in glass houses,” diatoms are microscopic aquatic organisms that cover themselves in protective milk-colored silica shells. While most diatom species are harmless, half of the 58 known species from the genus Pseudo-nitzschia are notorious for producing domoic acid (DA). A person who has eaten DA-infected shellfish may experience vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. In some cases, DA has even caused the permanent loss of short-term memory in a condition known as “amnesic shellfish poisoning” (ASP).