Range extension of the Patagonian seahorse in Brazil: a biological treasure hauled up by local fishermen

The Patagonian seahorse Hippocampus patagonicus occurs between the southern coast of Argentina and southern Brazil. The present study documents the first occurrence of H. patagonicus in Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, where it was taken as a fishery bycatch. They were caught in gillnets and had been preserved by the fishermen in absolute alcohol. The females were in reproductive stage 3, which indicates that they may migrate to Guanabara Bay to reproduce