Exploring the Aquaculture Potential of Ayungin, an Endemic Freshwater Fish in the Philippines

Abstract

In the early 1960s, silver therapon (Leiopotherapon plumbeus), locally known as ayungin, is regarded as one of the most abundant freshwater fishery resources in the largest lake in the Philippines, Laguna de Bay. Smallscale fishing communities around the lake are reliant on this fishery resource for subsistence consumption and livelihood. Recently, ayungin is touted as the most exploited commercial freshwater fish species in most regions of the country. The decline of this important food fish has led to a growing interest in its domestication for culture production and for possible replenishment of depleted stocks in the wild. Therefore, efforts to domesticate, manage, and conserve this native aquatic species have been given a high priority. Due to its readiness to spawn in captivity and successful hatchery production in outdoor tanks, ayungin is considered an emerging species with potential for inland freshwater aquaculture.