New larval records in the southwestern Atlantic and global distribution patterns of daggertooth Anotopterus pharao (Aulopiformes: Anotopteridae).

Abstract

This study presents new larval records of daggertooth fish Anotopterus pharao (Aulopiformes: Anotopteridae) in the southwestern Atlantic and explores its global distribution patterns. This species is extensively distributed in oceans, with concentrations in subtropical, temperate and polar regions. We found new records at depths between 550 and 1100 m, associated with Antarctic Intermediate Water. We collected eight larvae at different developmental stages: preflexion (n = 4), flexion (n = 3) and postflexion (n = 1). The presence of preflexion larvae suggests reproduction in southeastern Brazil. Additionally, their occurrence at great depths in lower latitude may indicate potential strategies such as latitudinal migration for reproduction and vertical migration to avoid thermal stress.