Equatorial ichthyofauna (Osteichthyes, Actinopterygii) associated with non-ENSO (El Niño–Southern Oscillation) conditions in northernmost Chile

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.