Native Fish Of Argentina

Argentina is a nation in the southeastern end of South America. The country has plenty of native fish species that inhabit Argentine rivers and the Southern Atlantic Ocean. Some of the native fish found in Argentina include the Argentine Hake, White-Dotted Skate, Buenos Aires Tetra, and Patagonian Toothfish.

Native Fish Of Argentina

Argentine Hake (Merluccius hubbsi)

The Argentine Hake (Merluccius hubbsi) is native to the Argentine Coast along the Atlantic Ocean. The fish can grow up to 95 centimeters in length and weigh up to 5 kilograms. It lives on the continental shelf within depths of (100-200) meters. Adults feed on small fish, while young ones feed on amphipods. The fish migrates inshore in spring and summer and offshore in winter. The fish is commonly harvested for human consumption. Argentine Hake population off the Argentine coast has considerably declined due to overfishing. Argentine authorities have established protected areas where Hake fishing is prohibited.

White-Dotted Skate (Bathyraja albomaculata)

The White-Dotted Skate (Bathyraja albomaculata) is a fish species found in the southwestern regions of the Atlantic Ocean. The fish is native to the Argentine and Uruguayan coasts, as well as the Falkland Islands. The fish can inhabit a wide depth range of 55 to 861 meters below the ocean's surface. White-Dotted Skate is estimated to reach maturity at 10 to 11 years of age. Egg-laying by the females occur all year round with increased activity during autumn and winter. White-Dotted Skate mostly feeds on gammarid, polychaetes, and isopods that live near the floor of the ocean. The white-dotted skate is often a by-catch in trawl fisheries at the bottom of the ocean. The fish is also commercially harvested. As a result, its population has come under threat. Argentine authorities need to monitor the white-dotted skate to preserve the remaining population.

Buenos Aires Tetra (Hyphessobrycon anisitsi)

The Buenos Aires Tetra (Hyphessobrycon anisitsi) is a beautiful fish native to the South American nations of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. It has a unique silvery color and red fins. Buenos Aires Tetra grows to an average length of 2.8 inches and has a lifespan of 5 to 6 years. It feeds on worms, crustaceans, and insects. The fish is a popular aquarium species due to its beautiful looks and easy maintenance. Buenos Aires Tetra is not on the endangered species list. However, the species needs to be monitored to help conservation efforts.

Patagonian Toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides)

The Patagonian Toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) is a subarctic ice-fish native to the cold waters of the Southeast Pacific, Southwest Atlantic, and the Falkland Islands. A mature fish has an average weight of 7 to 10 kilograms and an average length 2.3 meters. The adult fish inhabits the deep waters up to 1,000 meters below the ocean surface. Patagonian Toothfish breeds mostly during winter. The young ones inhabit shallow waters until the age of 7 years when they gradually move to the deep waters. The fish is commercially harvested for use in restaurants. Unregulated fishing of Patagonian Toothfish in the 1990s almost led to the collapse of fisheries in the Southern Ocean. Consequently, ‘Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources’ was established to help in the preservation of endangered fish species. Currently, fishing of the Patagonian Toothfish is highly regulated.

Conservation of Fish in Argentina

Argentina's fish are a valuable resource to the country and others worldwide. Some of the fish are consumed locally while others are exported overseas. Argentina along with its neighboring countries has established regulations that control fishing of endangered species. Further research and monitoring of some rare fish species are necessary to assist in conservation efforts.