Monthly Archives: January 2013
Indo-Pacific Sailfish ( Istiophorus platypterus )
Common Name: Sailfish
Local Name: Malasugi (Bisaya)
Max Size: 348 cm (commonly 270 cm)
Biodiversity: Marine, Pelagic, Endemic
Fishing Season: Summer (March-June)
The is one of the popular big game species that can be caught here in the Philippines. It is locally called Malasugi and it quite common through out the islands. These are pelagic fish that most often travel in schools. They are highly migratory which is why they can be found all around the country. More info to follow…
Silver Moony ( Monodactylus argenteus )
Common Name: Moony, Silver Moonfish, Malayan Angel
Local Name: Lapis (Bisaya)
Max Size: 27 cm (commonly 12 cm)
Depth: 1 – ?? m
Biodiversity: Marine, Brackish, Freshwater, Pelagic-Neritic, Endemic
Fishing Season: All Year Long
Minimum Size Limit: 5 inches
Recommended Bait/Lures: Shrimp, krill
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (NE)
Here is a relatively small species of fish similar to a pompano that can be caught in the ocean as well as estuaries, mangroves and along the shore line. This species, also known as Silver Moonfish or Malayan Angel, feeds on plankton small crustaceans and small fish and can be caught using small hooks and bait. These fish are found in schools and so when you catch one you can expect more to follow. These fish are known to grow up to 12 inches and are excellent food fish similar to Spanish Mackerel and Trevally. Here in Cebu they are known as Lapis. These two pictured above were caught off of Mactan Island. These fish are also popular in the aquarium trade and are known as Mono Angel. The smaller juveniles can actually be kept in fresh water.
Silver Moony caught on Shell Island, Cebu
Milkfish ( Chanos chanos )
Common Name: Milkfish
Local Name: Bangus, Awa
Max Size: 180 cm (commonly 60-100 cm)
Biodiversity: Marine, Brackish, Freshwater, Benthopelagic, Endemic
Fishing Season: All Year Long
This is the national fish of the Philippines. It is a saltwater species that can also be found in freshwater. These fish are farmed through out the country in ponds along the ocean for food. It is also a popular game fish due to its strong runs. It however feeds mainly on algae, small invertabrates, zooplankton and fish eggs. Anglers target these fish mainly in stocked ponds with dough bait, bread and occasionally fly fishing flies, however they can be caught in the in the wild along the coast around reefs and in mangroves, estuaries, and bays. This large Bangus in the picture above was caught by Josh in Cebu. Large adult Milkfish are also called Awa.
Fishing The Philippines 