Record of Northern Barracuda, Sphyraena ensis Jordan & Gilbert, 1882 (Perciformes, Sphyraenidae), from the extreme north of Chile during a non-ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation) period

Abstract

A unique specimen of Northern Barracuda, Sphyraena ensis Jordan & Gilbert 1882, was accidentally captured off the coast of the city of Taltal in northern Chile. This finding not only extends the known range of the species in Chilean territory by 228 km to the south, but it also is not related to an ENSO event (El Niño Southern Oscillation), as in the past. We discuss the importance of finding this species at the northernmost end of Chile and of conducting additional sampling to confirm S. ensis as a native Chilean species.

Keywords

• Antofagasta region
• Barracuda
• Chilean coast
• Paci