Southernmost occurrence of Syngnathus folletti on a temperate coastal lagoon of Argentina

Abstract

We report the occurrence of a mature male Syngnathus folletti in the inlet channel of Mar Chiquita coastal lagoon (37°44′S 57°25′W, Buenos Aires, Argentina). This record constitutes the southernmost report for the species. Mar Chiquita coastal lagoon is characterized by mudflats surrounded by a large cord-grass area but not by grass beds which are seen to be a suitable habitat for S. folletti. Therefore, oceanic winds that allow warmer northern waters to approach the coast of Argentina could be the cause of the presence of the species.