Smallest Edible Fish - Lake Buhi is renowned for housing the world's smallest edible fish, the "Sinarapan," and the finest "Tilapia" fish in the Philippines. This lake's distinctive feature is its appearance as a body of water encircled by mountains, resembling a massive volcano crater when seen from an airplane; in fact, it is a crater lake.
The name "crater lake" comes from its historical formation as a lake. It originated during the most potent and devastating eruption of Mount Sumagang, also known as Mount Asog, which is situated next to or facing the lake's site.
As the volcano erupted, its southern side gave way, sending mountain debris, magma, and lava toward the Buhi town area.
The volcanic debris formed a crater-like depression, hindering the natural water flow from the nearby mountains. This obstruction held the water, turning it into a lake.
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Various mountain ranges encircle the lake. To the southeast lie the Buhi, Camarines Sur, and the mountain slopes of Ligao and Malinao in the province of Albay. To the east are the Tiwi, Albay, and Sagñay Camarines Sur mountain ranges. To the north is the Mount Sumagang range in Iriga City.
Guests can delight in the tranquil and untouched beauty of the lake, experience the gentle and chilly mountain breezes, and listen to the soft splashing sound of waves caressing the rocks along the shore.
The combination of geological and historical background is one factor that piques the interest of visitors to the area, in addition to the often-overlooked beauty of its surroundings. Thousands of visitors have come to explore the town, the lake, and its inhabitants.
Tiniest Edible Fish – Sinarapan (Mistichthys luzonehsis)
The unique nature of the lake is responsible for the presence of this fish, as it is the sole body of water globally where such a species of freshwater fish exists. There is often confusion between this fish and "Tabios"; however, Sinarapan and Tabios are distinct species. The scientific name for Tabios is Pandaka Pygmaea, while Sinarapan is Mistichthys luzonehsis.
Tabios is widespread in the Philippines and can be found in various freshwater environments, including creeks, streams, and rivers. Sinarapan, on the other hand, is exclusive to Buhi Lake.
One can hardly see this fish swimming in the water because of its tiny size and transparent color.
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Best Tilapia
In addition to housing the smallest edible fish, Buhi Lake is renowned for having the finest Tilapia in the Philippines. Typically, tilapia purchased in various parts of the country may taste and smell swampy and muddy if not cleaned properly. However, the tilapia from Buhi do not have this issue because the lakebed comprises volcanic sands rather than mud wallows.
Tilapia farming has become a significant income source for Buhi, playing a substantial role in its economy. However, it threatens the smallest fish species, as they share the same lake, and Sinarapan falls prey to tilapias. This is one of the reasons why the decline in the Sinarapan population in the lake is now more noticeable than in the past.
Coming to the lake is never a problem because it is right beside the town proper of Buhi and has access roads on its circumferential shoreline.
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