Distribution, abundance and reproduction Harengula jaguana Goode and Bean,1879, on the continental shelf along the southern Gulf of Mexico (Pisces :Clupeidae)

Harengula jaguana is a dominant species in the southern Gulf of Mexico. It is a demersal, estuarine-dependent species, distributed throughout the Camp eche Sound area (12-54 m). It is found in areas influenced by coastal disch arges. The size at first maturity of females is 117 mm total length. Reprod uction occurs from February to October in depths 18-36 m. The juveniles are found on the shelf (<20 m) and inside the Terminos Lagoon. Recruitment is in two distinct periods, March-June and August-November, when adults and ju veniles migrate to the outer shelf. Greatest abundance is observed in depth s of 12-36 m. The biology and ecology of H. jaguana was analyzed in the Cam peche Sound to better understand the structure and function of the demersal fish communities. It is a very important species in the trophic dynamics o f the ecosystem because it transports matter and energy. A model of the bio logical pattern for this species in the area is proposed.