This demersal species is endemic to the southern Patagonia Sea region where it occurs in kelp forests and fjords. Its physiology restricts it to waters of high oxygen concentration and low temperature, and its survivability is reduced when these conditions fluctuate. Based on survey data and observations of fishers catch, this species has declined by 80% since the 1980s in at least half of its range (the Chilean coast). The status of its population in the other half of its range (Argentina) is poorly understood due to the lack of surveys. Considering the uncertainty regarding its status in the other half of its range, it is conservatively suspected to have declined overall by 30% over the past three generation lengths (12-18 years). Threats include climate change (warming water temperatures), mortality as bycatch in artisanal fisheries and invasive salmon. It is listed as Vulnerable A2bcde. Additional survey work is needed to monitor and understand its population throughout its range. Research is needed on its life history and response to heat shock.

Fil: Díaz de Astarloa, Juan Martín. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentina

Fil: Irigoyen, A.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico; Argentina

Fil: Buratti, C.. Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones y Desarrollo Pesquero; Argentina

Fil: Riestra, C.. Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones y Desarrollo Pesquero; Argentina

Fil: Vieira, J.P.. Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande.; Brasil

Fil: Landaeta, M.. Universidad de Valparaíso; Chile

Fil: Hüne, M.. Universidad Austral de Chile; Chile