[1] It is one of the deepest lakes[2] in the country, reaching a maximum depth of 120 metres (390 ft).

The lake receives water from local run-off and several small rivers.

In 1965, the lake and its vicinity was declared as a protected national park under Republic Act 4190[3][4] that covers an area of about 1,500 square kilometres (580 sq mi).

The lake is also rich in fish that includes dalág (Ophicephalus striatus), Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), goby (Glossogobius giurus) and catfish (Clarias spp).

[1] It was reported that the endangered Barbodes tumba and other endemic cyprinids were once widely distributed in the lake; however, none were found during fieldwork in 1982[5] and the former is believed to be locally extinct.