Invasive Aquarium Fish Threaten Native Species in Philippine Crater Lake

Flowerhorn cichlids, a human-bred ornamental fish species, have been detected in Lake Sampaloc, a crater lake in the Philippines. The invasive fish are aggressively competing with the native ayungin fish and disrupting local aquaculture activities. Scientists have raised concerns about the risk of disease transmission and the potential for rapid population growth of the species within the lake. Experts warn the situation highlights a broader global problem of domesticated animals escaping into and damaging natural ecosystems.