DECLARING TOTAL WAR AGAINST THE JANITOR FISH

DECLARING TOTAL WAR AGAINST THE JANITOR FISH

Yes, the janitor fish is a catfish, but it is not our catfish. Native to South America, this species was never meant to be part of our lakes and rivers. It was only intended to be a pet fish, valued by aquarium owners for its ability to clean fish tanks of waste and algae, thus earning its name, “janitor fish.” However, the fish has now established itself in Philippine waters, wreaking havoc on our ecosystems.

How did it get here? Some say floods released them into the wild, while others blame irresponsible owners who discarded them into our lakes and rivers. Regardless of how it happened, the janitor fish is now an invasive species, rapidly multiplying and endangering native aquatic life.

A Culinary Misfit and Ecological Threat

Unlike our beloved native catfish, janitor fish are not suitable for human consumption. Reports suggest that although it may technically be edible, it tastes bad and has little culinary value. Instead, it is often considered more viable as animal feed. Additionally, some studies have explored the possibility of converting janitor fish into biodiesel fuel, providing an alternative use for this ecological menace.

The Devastating Impact

This invasive species poses a serious threat to our biodiversity. Janitor fish are known to feed on the eggs of native fish species and even prey on fingerlings, reducing the populations of commercially and ecologically important species. Their presence has already been documented in critical freshwater bodies, including the Agusan Marsh and the Liguasan Marsh. Fortunately, Lake Lanao has not yet fallen victim to this invasion, and we must ensure it stays that way.

Laguna Lake, the largest in the country, is a glaring example of the janitor fish’s destructive impact. If the government can successfully eradicate the species from Laguna Lake, it will serve as a hopeful model for addressing infestations elsewhere.

A Call to Action

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) must lead the charge in this battle. However, this challenge is too large for any one agency to tackle alone. The Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), the Philippine Coast Guard, and even local communities must work together.

To achieve success, we must:

1.   Set a Clear Target: The government should declare a deadline for eliminating janitor fish from our lakes and rivers. Five years could be a reasonable goal.

2.   Expand Research and Development: We have already seen the potential for janitor fish to be converted into biodiesel. Investing in this technology can turn an ecological disaster into an economic opportunity.

3.   Promote Community Involvement: Local fishers should be incentivized to catch and remove janitor fish, while awareness campaigns can educate the public on the dangers of invasive species.

4.   Strengthen Monitoring and Regulation: Preventing further spread is critical. Stricter regulations should be implemented to prevent the release of exotic species into natural waterways.

Food Security and Ecological Balance

This issue goes beyond ecological preservation — it is also a matter of food security. The more janitor fish consume native fish eggs and fingerlings, the fewer edible fish we have for consumption. Left unchecked, this invasive species could contribute to a significant decline in our local fish supply.

We cannot allow this silent invasion to continue. The government must act decisively, with agencies like BFAR, DENR, and LLDA working in coordination. Let Laguna Lake be the battleground where we prove that invasive species can be defeated.

Declaring total war against the janitor fish is not just an environmental obligation — it is a necessary step to protect our nation’s food security and biodiversity. Victory may not come easy, but with unity and determination, we can reclaim our lakes and rivers from this unwelcome invader.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres

iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

07-07-2025

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