Ecological traits of the Patagonian blenny, Eleginops maclovinus (pisces, eleginopidae), in the río Gallegos estuary (southwestern Atlantic)

Abstract

Eleginops maclovinus is an important resource for artisanal fisheries in South America (ca. 20-200 tons per year) Therefore, biological and ecological studies are necessary for the conservation of this species for fishing purposes. In this context, the accompanying fish fauna of E. maclovinus, their monthly and tidal abundance (both daytime and night), and their feeding behaviour were analysed. The study was conducted in the intertidal of Río Gallegos estuary (Argentina) using a gill net, from December 2020 to May 2021. A total of 788 fish individuals were counted, corresponding to 9 spp. E. maclovinus were the most abundant (ca. 81 % of total specimens), registering a mean value of 4-7 individuals per day from December to April, and the lowest in May (1 individual per day). The comparison of tidal regimes established that E. maclovinus recorded higher abundances during night (4 individuals per day) than daytime tides (2 individuals per day). Feeding analysis showed a total of 11 food items, being the bivalve Darina solenoides the most frequent prey. This study suggests that E. maclovinus is the dominant species in the intertidal zone, feeding on most abundant and available benthic organisms. The present work provides important information for the implementation of sustainable artisanal fisheries in the area.