ABSTRACT

This short report communicates the finding of a Deep-bodied pipefish, Leptonotus blainvilleanus, (Eydoux & Gervais, 1837) [Syngnathiformes, Syngnathidae] in shallow waters of the San Jorge Gulf, Patagonia Argentina, in August 2010. It’s a new record for its known distribution range in the coast of South America. Photos and videos are available.

This note communicates the finding, on August 7, 2010, of a Deep-bodied pipefish, Leptonotus blainvilleanus (Eydoux & Gervais, 1837) (Syngnathiformes, Syngnathidae) [1,2]; in shallow waters of the San Jorge Gulf (Argentina); about 20 kilometers to the South of the town of Rada Tilly (46˚2'30.32"S - 67˚35'45.02"W, see Figure 1).

Leptonotus blainvillanus presents a distribution that runs from the South of Brazil (in the Atlantic) to the South of Chile (in the Pacific). They are benthic fish, generally found in algae beds in estuaries or coastal areas. They are difficult to see, since they are easily confused with algae. They feed on small crustaceans and small fish. They are ovoviviparous, and the male carries the eggs in a brood pouch which is found under the tail [3].

The specimen, a male of about 20 centimeters of total length (see Figure 2" target="_self"> Figure 2), was found swimming near the bottom, in a tidal channel. At the time the water had a temperature of 6˚C, and the depth did not exceed 3 meters. The fish was swimming in a vertical position, and photos and videos were taken before releasing it (photos and videos are available; contact: ari_apezteguia@yahoo.com.ar).

This finding confirms the presence of Leptonotus blainvilleanus in waters of the San Jorge Gulf; resulting in a new record for its known distribution range [4]; as in South America it has been reported in coastal waters, up to 25 meters depth, on the southwest coast of the Atlantic, South to the San José Gulf (Argentina, 42˚30' S); and it is estimated that it reaches at least to the North of Chile and possibly to the South of Peru in the Southeast Pacific [5] (See Figure 3).

Although the conservation status of L. blainvillanus still has not been assessed by the IUCN, it’s found in shallow waters of San Jorge Gulf, whose coastal environment is well preserved and with abundant seaweed beds, suggesting that it could support persistent populations of the

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