Aluterus monoceros (Acanthopterygii, Tetraodontiformes) southwards distribution range extension in Argentine waters

Abstract

The presence of Aluterus monoceros (Linnaeus, 1758) in Mar del Plata, Argentina (38° S) was registered over 40 years ago. This new report extends its southernmost distribution limit to 39° S (Necochea: ~ 120 km). The presence of the species could be associated to the warm subtropical water derived from the Brazilian continental shelf. The hypothesis was tested with satellite images of the sea surface temperature recorded during the cruise the specimen was caught.

Keywords

• Unicorn leatherjacket filefish
• geographical distribution
• Monacanthidae