Composition and distribution of icthyofauna in Laguna del Mar Muerto, Mexican Pacific

Fish composition was sampled in Mar Muerto Lagoon (Mexico) between 1991 and 1993. A total of 27 971 fish with a weight of 120.9 kg were collected. The total sample consists of 29 families, 45 genera and 66 species. The highes t number of species is in the area with strong marine influence (near Tonal a Inlet), abundant coastal vegetation and fluvial discharge. The lowest num ber of species is in the inner part of the lagoon, which is hipersaline in the dry season and of low salinity in the rainy season. The species with br oad distribution are Diapterus peruvianus, Life stolifera, Anchoa lucida, A nchoa mundeola, Mugil curema, Atherinella guatemalensis and Anchovia macrol epidota.