Philippine Aquatic Biodiversity

Vocabulary flashcards detailing local Philippine fish species, their aquatic habitats, scientific names, key adaptations, and conservation terms.

Euryhaline Nature

The ability of an organism, such as Bangus, to adapt to a wide salinity range from $0\text{ to }35\text{ ppt}$ across diverse aquatic habitats.

Tilapia

A freshwater species scientifically known as Oreochromis niloticus that thrives in calm habitats like lakes and ponds, preferring warm, shallow waters with abundant vegetation.

Hito

Also known as Asian Catfish, a freshwater species that inhabits muddy rivers and swamps, using an accessory breathing organ to survive in low-oxygen environments such as marshes and rice paddies.

Tawilis

Scientifically named Sardinella tawilis, an endangered freshwater gem endemic to Taal Lake that is the only freshwater sardine species globally.

Sinarapan

The world's smallest fish, which thrives in Lake Buhi and Lake Bato and exhibits extreme sensitivity to water quality changes.

Ludong

Also known as President's Fish, a riverine species that lives in fast-flowing rivers and migrates to marine mouths for spawning, demonstrating a catadromous life cycle.

Kitang

Also known as the Spotted Scat, a brackish species that thrives in mangrove swamps and estuarine river mouths, easily adapting to varying salinity levels between brackish water and seawater.

Kanduli

Also known as the Manila Sea Catfish, a brackish species thriving in Laguna de Bay and Manila Bay estuary, where males exhibit unique mouthbrooding behavior to protect eggs in muddy river mouths.

Lapu-Lapu

Also known as grouper, a marine reef species that acts as an apex predator in coral reefs and underwater caves to help maintain ecological balance.

Maya-Maya

Also known as Red Snapper, a marine fish that prefers deep coral reefs and rocky banks at depths of $10\text{ to }150\text{ meters}$ in the Visayan and Sulu Seas.

Dalagang Bukid

Also known as Yellowtail Fusilier, a species inhabiting coral reef slopes and lagoons that exhibits active schooling behavior while feeding on zooplankton in mid-water.

Galunggong

Also known as Round Scad, a pelagic species thriving in open ocean waters and continental shelf seas that plays a critical role in commercial fisheries in the Philippines.

Tulingan

Also known as Frigate Tuna, a deep ocean pelagic fish that uses its hydrodynamic body for swift swimming and adapts to thermal fronts for optimal hunting.

Bisugo

Also known as Threadfin Bream, a demersal fish that lives in muddy or sandy seabeds at depths from $20\text{ to }100\text{ meters}$, feeding on small crustaceans and marine invertebrates.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Designated marine zones that allow ecosystems to recover, supporting aquatic biodiversity and offering safe havens for fish populations.

Closed Fishing Seasons

Seasonal fishing bans implemented during spawning periods to preserve fish stocks for critical species such as Galunggong and sardines.

Mangrove Reforestation

A conservation strategy that enhances coastal protection and provides essential habitats for various marine species.