New records of Hippocampus patagonicus Piacentino & Luzzatto, 2004 (Teleostei: Syngnathidae) from the coast of Paraná, southern Brazil

Abstract

Abstract:The seahorse Hippocampus patagonicus (Teleostei: Syngnathidae) is the southernmost occurring species of its genus in the South Atlantic Ocean. Its distribution seems to be restricted to the Southwestern Atlantic, along the coasts of Argentina and Brazil. Herein we report the incidental capture of six individuals as bycatch in the shrimp trawl fishery off the coast of Paraná, southern Brazil. Additional information on the geographic distribution of H. patagonicus, together with its ecology and life history, is important for conservation of this threatened species. These data can promote the development of appropriate management and conservation strategies for populations along the Brazilian coast.

The presence of the Patagonian seahorse Hippocampus patagonicus Piacentino & Luzzatto, 2004 (Teleostei: Syngnatidae) in Monte Hermoso, southwestern Buenos Aires province, Argentina

“…The Patagonian seahorse Hippocampus patagonicus Piacentino & Luzzatto, 2004 occurs in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean from Rio do Janeiro, Brazil, to Puerto Madryn, Argentina (Rosa et al 2011;Luzzatto et al 2012Luzzatto et al , 2014Silveira et al 2014;Pereira et al 2016; Figure 1). In Argentina, there are currently only two populations recorded, one in San Antonio Bay, the type locality of the species, and the other at Mar del Plata dock (Piacentino & Luzzatto 2004;Luzzatto et al 2012).…”

“…Specimens presented 11 trunk rings and 37-38 tail rings (Piacentino & Luzzatto 2004;Silveira et al 2014;Pereira et al 2016). Martino pers.…”

“…However, in the area of Monte Hermoso, the species has been found continually over the years, and the high catches reported by local fishermen suggest the presence of a stable population. Although there are no official records, fishermen have delivered seahorses to the local museum several times over the last 30 years (Di Piacentino & Luzzatto (2004), SiLveira et al (2014), PujoL (2014), Pereira et al (2016) and the specimens deposited in the Syngnathidae collection of the Museo Municipal de Ciencias Naturales "Lorenzo Scaglia". N = number of specimens studied, Ht range = height range recorded, HL/SnL = head length vs. snout length, TrR = trunk rings and TaR = tail rings.…”