On the distribution of Physalia physalis (Hydrozoa: Physaliidae) in Chile

Abstract

New distribution records of the pleustonic siphonophore Physalia physalis Linnæus, 1758, are presented based on the record of several colonies washed ashore during January to June 2015 around the port of Caldera (27° S), Región de Atacama, northern Chile. The bright blue-purplish colonies of this species have unique morphological characteristics, which include a conspicuous sail-like, gas-filled pneumatophore, and thin, ribbon-like tentacles (cormidia). Although the colonies of this conspicuous “jellyfish” are widely known in the northern Chilean coasts associated with the El Niño Southern Oscillation Events, scientific records are scarce. This is the third and northernmost record of P. physalis in Chile, extending the previously known northern distribution record of this species in the country by about 890 km.