Distribución, Abundancia y Reproducción de Harengula jaguana Goode y Bean, 1879, en la Plataforma Continental del Sur del Golfo de México (Pisces: Clupeidae)1

Abstract

ABSTRACT Harengula jaguana is a dominant species in the southern Gulf of Mexico. It is a demersal, estuarine‐dependent species, distributed throughout the Campeche Sound area (12‐54 m). It is found in areas influenced by coastal discharges. The size at first maturity of females is 117 mm total length. Reproduction 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 juveniles migrate to the outer shelf. Greatest abundance is observed in depths of 12‐36 m. The biology and ecology of H. jaguana was analyzed in the Campeche Sound to better understand the structure and function of the demersal fish communities. It is a very important species in the trophic dynamics of the ecosystem because it transports matter and energy. A model of the biological pattern for this species in the area is proposed.