Abstract

In northern Chile, the persistent presence of tropical fish in coastal waters has been observed, even without El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. Species such as Sphyraena ensis Jordan & Gilbert, 1882 and Galeichthys peruvianus Lütken, 1874 have been recorded in suboptimal environments, suggesting a possible ecological reconfiguration. This anomaly could be linked to global warming, as species typical of warm waters are found in colder areas, highlighting a sustained increase in sea temperature. These records provide new evidence of the poleward range expansion of tropical fish species, likely driven by long‑term ocean warming.