Mudfish (Channa striata), locally known as dalag, is a freshwater fish that has long thrived in Philippine inland waters. One of its most remarkable traits is its ability to survive out of water for extended periods, thanks to specialized air-breathing organs. Prized for its tender, flavorful meat, high nutritional value, and health benefits, mudfish holds a special place in local diets and traditional healing practices.

According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), mudfish ranked among the top five inland fisheries commodities in 2023, accounting for 11 percent of total production (around 18 metric tons) alongside tilapia, carp, snails, and gourami. Its harvest is concentrated in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), the northeastern and south-central regions of Mindanao, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Mudfish also ranks among the top ten aquaculture commodities in the country. Yet, despite its value, the potential of mudfish aquaculture remains largely untapped. Production still relies heavily on wild catch due to the limited availability of fingerlings and gaps in knowledge about proper culture techniques and management. As a result, its contribution to aquaculture falls short of its economic and ecological potential, leaving room for sustainable growth in both livelihoods and inland fisheries.

BARMM mudfish production

Beyond its biological suitability, mudfish holds deep cultural and economic importance in many Bangsamoro communities. It is a staple in households and a prized dish during gatherings, making it a valued component of local diets and traditions. This significance is reflected in its high market value across the region.

BARMM is well-positioned for mudfish production, thanks to its abundant inland water resources. Yet fisheries data show a sharp decline in mudfish catch starting in the fourth quarter of 2021, highlighting the region’s reliance almost entirely on capture fisheries, with minimal aquaculture development.

As demand for mudfish continues to rise while aquaculture output remains low, fishing pressure on wild populations intensifies. If this imbalance is not addressed, it could threaten both the sustainability of mudfish stocks and the livelihoods of inland fishing communities across BARMM.

Addressing decline through R&D

To tackle these challenges, the DA-NFRDI, through the Brackishwater Fisheries Research and Development Center (BFRDC), implemented the project “Promotion of Breeding and Culture Technology of Mudfish in BARMM for Increased Aquaculture Production in the Region.”

Funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), it seeks to boost mudfish aquaculture in BARMM using science-based interventions to reverse declining production, reduce reliance on wild stocks, and create new livelihood opportunities for local fish farmers.

The initiative is implemented in collaboration with multiple Mindanao State University (MSU) campuses, DA-Fisheries Biotechnology Center (FBC), BFAR 10, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), and local government units (LGUs) in BARMM and Lanao del Norte.

Capacity building and mudfish breeding

A key achievement of the project’s first phase was the establishment of broodstock holding facilities at BFRDC. The indoor facility is designed for newly collected specimens and induced spawning trials, while the outdoor pond-based facility supports broodstock development and serves as a nursery for larvae produced during spawning activities.

To support controlled breeding, wild mudfish breeders were collected and conditioned. A total of 169 live mudfish were gathered from four sites: Lanao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Zamboanga del Sur, and BARMM. During collection, the team noted challenges in sexing smaller samples, highlighting the complexities of broodstock development.

Induced spawning trials were carried out using broodstock from Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte. Spawning was stimulated using salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone (sGnRHa) in Ovaprim at a dosage of 0.5 mL per kilogram of fish. The trials yielded promising results, with a substantial number of ova collected and a 78.42% hatch rate. This high level of hatching success suggests effective fertilization and strong potential for scaling up mudfish seed production.

From December 10–12, 2025, a training on mudfish breeding and culture technology was conducted in Lala, Lanao del Norte, where 31 participants from BFAR, MAFAR, fisherfolk organizations, and other local stakeholders took part. Through hands-on demonstrations and lectures, participants gained skills in broodstock management, induced spawning, larval rearing, and nursery operations, equipping them to support the growth of mudfish aquaculture in the region.

From R&D to sustainable livelihoods

The early successes of the mudfish project in BARMM show how targeted research, well-equipped facilities, and capacity-building efforts can work hand in hand to address declining fisheries production. By shifting from reliance on wild capture to science-based aquaculture, the initiative not only helps conserve mudfish stocks but also creates new livelihood opportunities for inland fishing communities.

With ongoing advancements in culture technology, mudfish has the potential to become a foundation species for sustainable inland aquaculture in BARMM. The project demonstrates that with the right mix of science, collaboration, and community engagement, sustainable fisheries development is well within reach. ### (Vanessa Mae Escaño)