ON THE OCCURRENCE AND SUCCESSFUL ESTABLISHMENT OF Cichlasoma trimaculatum (GUNTHER, 1867), AN INVASIVE SPECIES OF CICHLID, IN LAKE BULUAN, PHILIPPINES

The introduction of exotic fish species is steadily increasing in many water bodies in the Philippines, either intentionally or unintentionally. The rise in aquaculture and ornamental fish industries are seen to be the major culprits in the increase of non-native species in major lakes in the country. This paper reports the occurrence of an exotic cichlid species in Lake Buluan, Philippines. Thirty (30) samples were obtained from a local fisherman in the area. Collected samples have an average standard length of 93.27 ± 10.43 mm and an average weight of 43.40 ± 14.65 grams. The morphological characteristics of the collected specimens are very similar to the highly invasive Cichlasoma trimaculatum [1]. The abundance of this species in the local wet market is indicative of its successful establishment. Negative impacts on the occurrence of this species on the population of native species in the area have also been reported, however, no verifiable scientific evidence is currently available. Hence, further studies on its potential impact on the native species in Lake Buluan should be done especially since this species is notoriously invasive.