Charru mussel had invaded the Philippine waters way back in 2014 with its first record of proliferation in Manila Bay and then in Lingayen gulf in 2015. In approximately one year, this invasive species “traveled” 230km north of Manila Bay. Invasive species are non-native animals that competes with the resources that are supposed to be for native animals. At Pangasinan State University Binmaley Campus, Dr. Sotero M. Aban with his student researchers: Ms. Michelle Ferrer Ms. Maria Christina Delos Reyes and Mr. Christian De Guzman conducted a study in CY 2019 entitled Growth and Survival of Swordtail fish (Xiphophorous hellerii) Fed with Diets Containing Charru Mussel (Mytella charruana). After the end of the experiment, found that Charru mussel can be formulated as a swordtail fish feed diet in terms of growth and survival. The study also reports that formulated Charru mussel feed diet performs better than commercially available feed. Results also revealed that the survival of swordtails fish fed with formulated diet containing Charru mussel was comparable with those fed with commercial feed.
This research study is a milestone in the pursuit of the utilization of invasive species to benefit the fisheries industry in the Philippines. With further studies, the hope for this research is for mass production and commercialization. The Pangasinan State University, Binmaley campus, with its pool of competent and innovative professors continuously creates waves not only in instruction and research but also in extension and production – indeed a center of excellence in fisheries.
