Common Name:   Silver Perch, 

Local Name:    Ayungin (Tagalog); ?? (Cebuano)

Max Size:  16 cm

Biodiversity:  Freshwater

Depth:  1 – ?? m

Fishing Season:  All Year Long

Minimum Size Limit:  none

Recommended Bait/Lures:  worms, small shrimp, masa

IUCN Red List Status:  Not Evaluated (NE)

Ayungin are one of the native species found in the Philippines. It is too bad that these little guys only grow to around 6 inches.  They are quite aggressive little fighters.  These fish were the national hero Jose Rizal’s favorite fish.  Despite their small size they are utilized and even prized as a food fish.

Ayungin can be caught on hook and line and make fun little fish for kids to catch.  To catch these little guys you need a small hook.  Their mouths are quite small.  They are also swim in schools in the middle of the water column often round floating weeds and structures. The experienced fishermen can catch a bag of these in an afternoon and make a good meal for dinner.

These fish can be raised in ponds for aquaculture. They are a very hardy fish and can be trained to  feed on floating pellets.

Tadlac Lake in Laguna which is full of Ayungin