Fish diversity in Isla de los Estados and surrounding areas

Abstract

The knowledge regarding fish diversity in Isla de los Estados is relatively limited and outdated compared to the well-documented biodiversity of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego. This insufficiency in data may lead to an underestimation of the number of species inhabiting this remote and inaccessible region of the southern Atlantic Ocean. This chapter reviews the fish species in the freshwater, coastal, and surrounding marine areas of Isla de los Estados. Research on the island´s freshwater fish diversity is scarce, identifying only a single native species. In contrast, 16 species have been recorded in the marine coastal regions, some described over 120 years ago. Furthermore, 25 species have been reported in the surrounding marine areas, with several specimens obtained from commercial fishing vessels. The study and documentation of the fish species of Isla de los Estados and the complementation with studies of other taxonomic groups are necessary for implementing conservation and management policies.