ECOLOGICAL STRATEGIES AND RECRUITMENT OF SYACIUM-GUNTERI (PISCES, BOTHIDAE) IN THE SOUTHERN GULF-OF-MEXICO SHELF

Syacium gunteri has a wide distribution in the Campeche Sound, with hi ghest density and abundance in shallow waters (18-36 m). The spatial a nd temporal distribution are associated with estuarine influenced zone s, type of food and soft bottoms with high organic matter contents. It s food spectrum is broad, but it feeds mainly on peneid shrimps. There is one extended reproduction period from May to September. The life c ycle is short and the recruitment pattern presents a continuous activi ty with one principal peak (November). S. gunteri is a non-estuarine d ependent flatfish species, but seasonal movements to shallow waters ar e observed in relation to primary productivity changes in the coastal zone, a strategy which supports the ecological dominance of this speci es in the region.