Abstract

We describe collections of Hatcheria macraei (Patagonian catfish) from south-central Chile. This represents a significant range extension for this species. These new records have important biogeographic implications as H. macraei is now recorded within Chilean Province, far north of its previous distributional limit in Patagonian Province. We document a new character, the shape of the dorsal fin, which allows quick and easy discrimination between H. macraei and Trichomycterus areolatus in the field or laboratory. This study highlights the need for careful identification for trichomycterid catfishes from southern Chile.