UPV Museum of Natural Sciences

18/08/2026

Welcome to UPV, Freshies! 🐟🌿

Last August 13, 2026, the UPV Museum of Natural Sciences warmly welcomed the incoming first-year BS Fisheries students as part of the CFOS Freshie Tour organized by the UPV College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences Student Council (UPV CFOS SC).

Through this visit, they were introduced to the museum’s diverse collections and fascinating specimens, offering them a closer look at the richness of the natural world and the importance of biodiversity.

Here’s to a meaningful start to your Fisheries journey at UPV!

12/08/2026

UNUSUAL FINDING IN TAAL LAKE🐟

Male tilapia from Taal Lake were found producing a protein normally associated with egg development in female fish.

Researchers detected vitellogenin, an egg-yolk precursor usually produced in large amounts by sexually mature females. Male fish normally produce very little of it, but levels can increase when they are exposed to substances that have estrogen-like effects.

The researchers also detected 17β-estradiol, a natural form of estrogen, in surface water collected near the fish cages. Together, the findings suggest that the male tilapia had been exposed to substances capable of affecting normal hormone activity.

This does not mean the male fish were turning female or producing eggs. In environmental research, vitellogenin in male fish is commonly used as a warning sign of exposure to estrogenic substances that can interfere with the endocrine, or hormone, system.

The researchers could not identify a single substance responsible for the response. Fish in the lake may be exposed to a mixture of natural hormones and other compounds coming from wastewater, agricultural runoff and other sources. Previous research has also found that some commercial fish feeds may influence vitellogenin production.

The study examined eight male tilapia collected from one fish cage in April 2016, while the research itself was published in 2024. Because the sample was small and limited to one location, the findings cannot be used to describe the current condition of the entire Taal Lake.

Researchers recommended broader and seasonal monitoring to determine how widespread these estrogenic substances may be and where they are coming from.

The finding matters because biological changes in fish can provide an early signal that substances in the water are already interfering with normal hormone processes.

12/08/2026

04/08/2026

Meet the clever critters of the West Philippine Sea, the Coconut Octopus! 🐙🥥

Coconut Octopus (𝘈𝘮𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘰𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘶𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘴) are one of the species that calls the West Philippine Sea their home. In celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the West Philippine Sea Arbitral Ruling, let us get to know one of the victors of this historic milestone to remind us of the marine wonders that are truly worth fighting for.

This species is a master tactician that makes use of unconventional materials such as coconuts and marine litter to protect themselves from predators. However, do not mistake this behavior as cowardice. Coconut Octopus are in the frontline in protecting the stability of our food web!

But the celebration is not yet over. Another critter wants to join in the fun! Can you guess which West Philippine Sea species is next? 👀Comment down below!

Clue:
Gl_s_ A_em_ne Sh_i_p

References:
https://tinyurl.com/CuriousSpecies
https://tinyurl.com/JournalOctopus
https://tinyurl.com/CocoOcto

31/07/2026

𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀, 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀

Surrounded by rich and productive seas, Marinduque is home to a diverse array of fresh and nutritious seafood. This Nutrition Month, we take a look at the marine resources that have long nourished Marinduqueño families.
The 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗺𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝗻𝗮𝗶𝗹 (Cassis cornuta), locally known as 𝒃𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒂 (𝒑𝒖𝒌𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒂 in Maniwaya Island); 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗵 (Harpago chiragra), locally known as 𝒔𝒂𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈 are mollusks belonging to the class Gastropoda, characterized by a single shell and a muscular foot used for movement; while a 𝗙𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗚𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗺, locally known as 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒍𝒊𝒕 is a mollusk belonging to the class Bivalvia, characterized by two hinged shells called “valves." These beautifully patterned shellfish are frequently prepared as kinilaw (cured in vinegar), adobo (braised), boiled, or grilled. They are often harvested through diving, coastal foraging (panghihibasan), and nighttime foraging (pangingilaw), reflecting the traditional harvesting practices of local communities.

Other commonly consumed seafood in the island are 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗯 (Portunus pelagicus), locally known as 𝒌𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒈 or 𝒌𝒂𝒔𝒂𝒈, and the 𝗢𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗻𝘆 𝗟𝗼𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 (Panulirus ornatus), locally known as 𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒈 (𝒑𝒂𝒚𝒂 in Maniwaya Island), These crustaceans belong to the phylum Arthropoda, which is characterized by exoskeleton and jointed appendages. They are traditionally prepared as sinigang (sour soup), buttered, or boiled.

As an essential part of Marinduqueño food culture, these marine resources remind us that every Marinduqueño shares the responsibility of protecting and conserving our seas to ensure a sustainable future for the province. After all, healthy plates begin with healthy seas.

Visit the National Museum of the Philippines-Marinduque to take a closer look at these remarkable species and learn their ecological significance and cultural importance to Marinduqueños.

𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀:
Singer, S. (2023). Mollusks. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/anatomy-and-physiology/mollusks
Smith, G. (2022). Crabs and Lobsters. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/zoology/crabs-and-lobsters

27/07/2026

You’ve heard of bubble tea, now get ready for a bubble snail! To celebrate yesterday’s World Mangrove Day, we introduce you to our latest discovery: 𝘉𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘯 𝘯𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘰, a newly-described species from a genus of bubble snails that live exclusively in mangrove ecosystems.

This species was described and named by UP MSI University Researcher Dr. Gizelle Batomalaque in collaboration with Lawrence Jacob Alterado, Jalyssa Fermo, and Dr. Severino Salmo III of the UP Institute of Biology. Like other bubble snails, 𝘉𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘯 𝘯𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘰 sp. nov. has a thin, bubble-like shell, and it was differentiated from other snails in the genus 𝘉𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘯 using DNA barcoding and the examination of reproductive anatomy, shells, and mouth apparatuses. The species epithet comes from the Tagalog phrase “𝘯𝘢 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘰” or “is a snail” to help clarify that the genus 𝘉𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘯 refers to snails, and not mangroves.

Interestingly, 𝘉𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘯 𝘯𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘰 sp. nov. was found in an abandoned fishpond that was recolonized by mangrove trees. Its discovery highlights the hidden biodiversity of mangrove ecosystems, even in disturbed or sub-optimal environments. It is likely that the rehabilitation of abandoned fishponds may not just help significantly in mangrove restoration, but also in nurturing species that are just waiting to be uncovered. 𝘉𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘯 𝘯𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘰 sp. nov. reminds us this World Mangrove Day that allowing mangrove populations to naturally recolonize adjacent areas can be a simple but effective boost to our mangrove forests.

Link to full paper: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/407466202_New_species_of_mangrove-associated_bubble_snail_in_the_Philippines_New_Bakawan_Mollusca_Gastropoda_Haminoeidae_species_and_records_in_mangrove-recolonised_ponds_in_Oriental_Mindoro_Philippines

This study was made possible with the assistance of the Senckenberg Ocean Species Alliance - SOSA.

Species Splash is an initiative of the UP Marine Science Institute that features the marine biodiversity being studied by our scientists.

27/07/2026

Today, July 26, we stand with the global community to celebrate the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem!

24/07/2026

The UPV Museum of Natural Sciences welcomed 30 on-the-job trainees from CAPSU-Dayao, CAPSU-Pontevedra, and NISU-Main for the second batch of this year's internship program.

Throughout the training, the students gained valuable hands-on experience and practical knowledge through activities such as shell identification, taxidermy, plant collection and identification, herbarium preparation, and interactive lectures. These learning opportunities strengthened their appreciation of biodiversity, museum collections, and the importance of natural history in research, conservation, and education.

Thank you for being part of the UPV Museum of Natural Sciences community. We wish you continued success in your academic and professional journeys!

21/07/2026

2-Day On-the-Job Training for Batch 1 Successfully Completed! ✨

Last July 6–7, 2026, we had the pleasure of accommodating 27 students from University of Southern Mindanao (USM) – Kabacan, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) – Calabanga, and Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU) – Malimono for a successful 2-day On-the-Job Training (OJT) at the UPV Museum.

The training featured a series of engaging and educational activities, including:
👩‍🏫Lecture sessions
🌿 Herbarium preparation and plant identification
🐚 Shell identification
🐠 Fish Taxidermy

Through these hands-on learning experiences, the students enhanced their knowledge and practical skills while gaining valuable insights into biodiversity, specimen collection, and biological identification and preservation techniques.

We hope this experience has contributed meaningfully to your academic journey and inspired a deeper appreciation for the natural sciences.

Congratulations to all the trainees, and we wish you continued success in your future endeavors!

16/07/2026

World Snake Day! 🐍