2 species of costly 'ludong' fish thrive in Cagayan Valley

By Freddie G. Lazaro

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — At least two species of costly “ludong” fish thrive in Cagayan Valley, according to the initial result of the study conducted by the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute.

“Ludong” is a rare type of mullet known for its high price and unique taste. Its buying price in the market is reaching up to P5,000 per kilo.

NFRDI Scientist Mudjekeewis Santos named these two species as Cestraeusoxyrhynchus and Cestraeusgoldiei.

The two ludong fish species discovered based from the findings on DNA analysis on several samples submitted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources from Cagayan and also on some available documents.

It is noted that Santos’ study is a component of the “OplanSagipLudong” project launched by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala in October 2010

In his report, Santos said the absence of the species Cestraeusplicatilis, which has been regarded as the species of Ludong in Cagayan Valley for a long time, has been noted by BFAR officials.

But Santos cited that it may be due to the limited number of samples submitted for analysis.

It was recalled that the ludong Cestraeusplicatilis species has been identified by J.M. Thompson of the University of Queensland in Australia in his study conducted in 1982. Thompson based his findings on morphological characteristics using samples submitted by Philippine researchers.

Santos disclosed that his findings came from analysis using two different DNA markers.

“We will still have a third and final run using another marker, and likewise, we will cross-check with species from other areas, in order to ascertain the findings,” he clarified.

The fish genetics expert has noted the dearth of reference materials with which to base or counter-check current findings.

“The science concerning mullet is very scarce. It is actually you who will come-up with studies and develop the science for this,” Santos stressed.

For her part, BFAR Cagayan Valley Region Director JovitaAyson told the study is very significant as her office will now enable to set the scientific records about ludong fish to avoid confusion.