War declared vs ‘Gloria fish’

ANGELES CITY, Philippines – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has been urged to curb the growing population of a smelly fish known as “Gloria Arroyo,” described by fisherfolk as “invasive and predatory.”

Fisherfolk named the fish after former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo because of its size and a dark pigmentation, which looks like a mole, under its jaw.

However, the BFAR clarified that the fish has not been officially named after the detained former leader.

A fisher’s group said the fish, which looks like tilapia (St. Peter’s fish), is bland and has an unpleasant smell.

Fisherfolk leader Salvador France said they have been preying on bangus (milkfish) fingerlings and shrimps in fishponds, creeks and rivers in Bulacan.

“The Arroyo fish grows fast and matures in one month, compared to bangus and other aquatic species raised in fishponds. It poses extreme danger to milkfish, crab and shrimps,” France said.

Vendors sell the Arroyo fish for P15 to P20 per kilo, he said.

“Bulacan fishponds have become hosts to a number of predatory and alien fish species,” he added.