Juag Fish Sanctuary

Philippines , Philippines

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Juag Fish Sanctuary, officially known as Juag Lagoon Marine Sanctuary, is a unique private marine sanctuary located in Juag Lagoon just off the coast of Matnog, Sorsogon in the Bicol Region of the Philippines, covering 1.7 hectares and housing more than 40 aquatic species.

Established by the Geneblazo family to promote marine conservation, the sanctuary collects various marine life for research, breeding, and temporary care before releasing them back into the open sea, while also allowing visitors to get up close with fascinating sea creatures. 

The star attraction is the endangered Humphead Wrasse, locally called "Mameng," a rare coral reef fish that grows up to six feet long with a distinct bulge on its forehead, thick lips, and diamond-patterned green, blue, and yellow scales, with seven of these magnificent fish currently in the sanctuary for tourists to interact with. 

Other marine life includes giant clams, huge sea cucumbers, lobsters, Tiger Lobsters, Pineapple Sea Cucumbers, Goldman Sweetlips, Parrot Fish, Harlequin Sweetlips, Teira Batfish, and Orange-spotted Spinefoot, along with sea turtles that occasionally visit.