Distribution
Stenopus hispidus occurs throughout the Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and South Africa to the Hawaiian and Tuamotu Islands (Kruczynski et al, 1969). In Australia, it is found from Rottnest Island, Western Australia, across northern Australia to southern New South Wales. In the western Atlantic, it is found from Bermuda and southern Florida to the north coast of South America (Holthuis, 1946) and it is common off the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands.
Until 1988, it has not been encountered in the eastern Pacific or eastern Atlantic (Limbaugh et al, 1961). Approximatly 30 years later it is found in the East Atlantic. The first records were at te Canary and the Cape Verde Archipelagos (Wirtz et al, 1988). Further records to Madeira, Ascención, São Tomé, Santa Helena Islands and Gabón were given.
S. hispidus distribution is further enlarged by a recent study discovery. Gregati et al, 2006, provides new records extending southward the distribution of Stenopus hispidus. Four specimens of S. hispidus were captured. Two were found at Couves Island, a location at the north shore of São Paulo State (23º25’25”S and 44º52’03”W), and the two others were captured from Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro State (22º52’46”S and 42º01’07”W).
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