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IntroductionAquatic animals are animals that live in water, such as freshwater, saltwater, or brackish water (a mixture of fresh and saltwater). They play an important role in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems and providing food and livelihood for many people. In the Philippines, six important aquatic animals commonly raised or harvested for food are tilapia, milkfish, catfish, crab, shrimp, and mussel. Each has its own habitat, physical characteristics, and interesting features.
Tilapia Scientific Name: Oreochromis niloticus
TilapiaTilapia is a freshwater fish widely raised for food because it grows relatively quickly and adapts well to different farming conditions. It feeds on algae, plankton, and other food sources, depending on its species, age, and environment. One interesting fact about Nile tilapia is that the female carries fertilized eggs and young fry in her mouth for protection. This behavior is called mouthbrooding.
Physical Characteristics Has a deep, oval-shaped body that is flattened on the sides. Usually grayish, silver, or dark- colored, sometimes with vertical stripes. Has a long dorsal fin with spiny and soft rays. Has scales covering most of its body.
Mostly lives in freshwater, such as lakes, ponds, rivers, and reservoirs. Can also tolerate certain brackish-water environments, depending on the species and conditions. Grows well in warm water, making it suitable for fish farming in tropical countries like the Philippines.Habitat
Milkfish Scientific Name: Chanos chanos
MilkfishMilkfish is one of the most important food fish in the Philippines. It is known for its mild flavor, silvery appearance, and many fine bones. An interesting fact is that milkfish can live in different salinity levels throughout its life. Its young develop in the sea before moving into coastal and sometimes freshwater habitats.
Physical Characteristics Has a long, slender, streamlined body. Its body is covered with shiny, silvery scales. Has a deeply forked tail that helps it swim efficiently. Has no teeth as an adult and feeds mainly on small organisms and plant material.
Lives mainly in tropical marine and coastal waters. Young milkfish are often found in mangroves, estuaries, and coastal wetlands. Can tolerate freshwater, brackish water, and seawater. Commonly raised in brackish- water fishponds and coastal fish cages.Habitat
Catfish Scientific Name: Clarias gariepinus
CatfishCatfish are named after their whisker-like barbels, which help them detect food and explore their surroundings. Many are bottom-dwellers that feed on insects, small aquatic animals, and other available food. Some catfish, particularly walking catfish, have special air-breathing organs that help them survive in oxygen-poor water. However, not all catfish species have the same abilities.
Physical Characteristics Has a long, smooth body with no ordinary scales. Possesses whisker-like structures called barbels around the mouth. Has a broad head and a wide mouth. Many species have strong pectoral-fin spines that can cause painful injuries if handled carelessly.
Commonly inhabits freshwater rivers, ponds, swamps, lakes, and muddy areas. Many species prefer slow-moving water or places with vegetation. Some catfish species can survive in water with low dissolved oxygen. Certain species can breathe air and survive for a limited time outside water if their skin and breathing structures remain moist.Habitat
Crab Scientific Name: Scylla serrata
CrabCrabs are crustaceans, not fish. They have a hard external skeleton that protects their bodies. As they grow, they shed their old shell through a process called molting and develop a new, larger one. Mud crabs are important in coastal ecosystems because they feed on various organisms and help recycle nutrients. They are also valuable seafood in the Philippines.
Physical Characteristics Has a broad, hard outer shell called an exoskeleton. Has five pairs of legs, with the first pair modified into claws. Its body is generally broad and flattened. Its powerful claws help it catch food, defend itself, and crush shells.
Commonly lives in mangrove forests, estuaries, tidal creeks, and muddy coastal areas. Prefers sheltered environments with muddy or sandy bottoms. Can tolerate brackish water and seawater. Often hides in mud, among mangrove roots, or in burrows for protection.Habitat
Shrimp Scientific Name: Litopenaeus vannamei
ShrimpShrimp are small aquatic crustaceans that feed on a variety of materials, including algae, plankton, detritus, and small organisms, depending on the species. An interesting fact is that shrimp grow by molting. Because their hard outer covering cannot expand continuously, they must shed it to grow larger. Some shrimp species spend different stages of their lives in different environments.
Physical Characteristics Has an elongated body covered by a thin, hard exoskeleton. Has a segmented abdomen and a tail fan. Possesses long antennae that help it sense its surroundings. Has several pairs of legs for walking and small appendages for swimming.
Many shrimp species live in coastal seawater, estuaries, and brackish- water environments. Some species live in freshwater rivers and lakes. Young shrimp of several coastal species use estuaries and mangrove areas as nursery habitats. Farmed shrimp are commonly raised in specially managed ponds.Habitat
Mussel Scientific Name: Perna viridis
MusselUnlike fish, mussels are mollusks. They do not have fins or a backbone. Instead, they feed by filtering tiny food particles, including plankton, from the surrounding water. One interesting fact is that mussels are filter feeders. They draw water into their bodies, extract food particles, and release the filtered water. This contributes to the movement of nutrients in coastal ecosystems, although excessive mussel growth or farming can also affect local ecosystems.
Physical Characteristics Has two hard shells joined by a hinge. The shell is often green near the edge and darker green, brown, or black toward the center. Has a soft body protected inside its shell. Uses strong, thread-like structures called byssal threads to attach itself to surfaces.
Lives in marine and coastal waters, particularly sheltered bays and estuaries. Attaches to rocks, ropes, pilings, and other firm surfaces. Commonly grows in clusters in areas with suitable water movement and food availability. Requires adequate water quality and plankton for feeding.Habitat
Conclusion In conclusion, tilapia, milkfish, catfish, crab, shrimp, and mussel are important aquatic animals that differ in their habitats, physical characteristics, and feeding habits. Fish have backbones and fins, crabs and shrimp belong to the crustacean group, and mussels are mollusks with two shells. These animals provide food, nutrients, employment, and income for many people, especially in the Philippines. They also contribute to the balance of aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, protecting their habitats, maintaining clean water, and practicing responsible fishing and aquaculture are essential to ensure that these resources remain available for future generations.
Marc Philcy PinedaGROUP 5 Mary Grace Fernandez Jairus Angelo A. Naval Christian Daniel Buenaventura Santino Louis Domingo Manvi Jeed
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