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Rockfishes of the genus Sebastesare extensively distributed in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Although the occurrence of two morphologically similar species in the Southern Hemisphere, Sebastes oculatusand Sebastes capensis, is now clearly established, the taxonomic status and phylogeographic patterns for the genus in the region have not yet been completely resolved. In this study, we provide new insights into the taxonomy and evolutionary relationships of rockfishes inhabiting the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of mainland Argentina, by combining mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences, microsatellite data, and color pattern analyses. Differences in coloration (“dark” and “light” fish) together with bathymetric segregation between color morphotypes were evident from fish collection and literature review. In addition, the mtDNA phylogenetic analysis and Bayesian clustering analysis using microsatellite data separated the fish into two distinct groups (FST= 0.041), most likely representing incipient species. Our results suggest that speciation-by-depth in the absence of physical barriers could be a widespread mechanism of speciation in Sebastesfrom both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Nevertheless, the degree of genetic differentiation found, added to the large number of individuals displaying high levels of admixture, points to the occurrence of incomplete reproductive barriers between color morphotypes. Beyond the taxonomic and phylogeographic implications of our findings, the occurrence of distinct groups of Sebastesoff the coast of Argentina being targeted by different fisheries (angling and trawling) has consequences for the design and implementation of appropriate fishery regulations to avoid overharvest of either group.

In the Beagle Channel, southern South America (ca. 55°S 67°W), about 20% of false king crabs (Paralomis granulosa) >80 mm carapace length are fouled with the barnacle Notobalanus flosculus. To evaluate differences in growth rates of barnacles attached to artificial and live substrates, clay tiles were anchored as collectors to the bottom at two different sites in the Beagle Channel in September 1996: in Ushuaia harbour (low currents and high levels of suspended matter) and around the Bridges Islands (strong currents and low level of suspended matter). Another set of collectors was deployed at the same sites in October 1998 to collect barnacles for histological studies. Tiles were removed from each place, approximately, on a monthly basis. Carapaces of P. granulosawith the epizoic N. flosculuswere sampled between November 1996 and 1997, and between March 1998 and September 1999, to study sexual maturation of barnacles. Growth of barnacles was compared between the collectors and P. granulosacarapaces following a qualitative approach. A sexual maturity scale was defined, based on the stage of development of the female reproductive apparatus of N. flosculus. Growth rate of barnacles was highest in the harbour, intermediate on P. granulosa, and lowest around the Bridges Islands. Presence of oocytes was registered only in epizoic barnacles, suggesting that at least a proportion of these individuals is able to spawn on the carapaces. The potential advantages of settling on a living substrate, namely increased availability of food particles and decreased predation risks are discussed.