GROWTH AND PRODUCTION OF SOME IMPORTANT SPECIES OF FISH IN A MEXICAN COASTAL LAGOON SYSTEM

In terms of biomass, the three dominant fish species in the Huizache‐Caimanero lagoon system during 1975–76 were the mullet Mugil curema, the anchovy, Anchoa panamensis and the catfish, Galeichthys caerulescens. Peaks in the abundance of the secondary predators occurred at the end of the wet season (September‐October), while pelagic forms and members of the centropomid‐gerreid association (Warburton 1968a) were most common during November‐February and December‐February respectively. Twelve species, including the ten having the highest overall mean biomass, were selected for growth and production studies. Lagoon‐specific differences in the patterns of growth and recruitment of several species were observed. The total estimated annual fish production in Caimanero lagoon was 34·48 g m−2 y−1, with M. curema contributing 9·36 g m−2, A. panamensis 9·24 g m−2 and G. caerulescens 6·15 g m−2 (maximum estimate). Mean turnover ratios (annual production: mean biomass) were 3·25 (demersal species), 8·44 (pelagic species) and 4·48 (all species). Implications for possible fishery and aquacultural expansion are discussed. Copyright © 1979, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved