This study aimed to assess the average biomass and spatial and temporal distribution of the family Sciaenidae fishes in the estuary of the Caeté River, northern of Brazil, with special reference to the species Stellifer rastrifer, Stellifer naso, Macrodon ancylodon and Cynoscion microlepidotus. Age at first sexual maturity (L50), spawning season, the length-weight relationships, food diet, population consumption by biomass (Q/B), population structure and dynamics were estimated. 6 Bimonthly samples were taken in the estuarine area of the Caeté River, from October 1996 to August 1997. The average biomass of the family Sciaenidae was 0,840g/m². The spatial distribution in the system was related to spawning and recruitment. Juveniles of S. rastrifer, S. naso e M. ancylodon occurred inside some areas in the estuary, although larger individuals were abundant outside where salinity is higher. The L50 values were 10cm, 10,7cm e 21,5cm respectively. Two spawning periods in a year were found, which determine the recruitment of two cohorts, with different growth parameters. The length-weight relations were allometric and no differences were found by sex. An ontogenetic change was found in the diet composition of these species; young prey zooplancton and adults feed predominantly on larval stages of decapodes and poliquetes, and juveniles of fishes. Diet overlaps changed during the ontogenic development of each species. The relation Q/B indicated that S. rastrifer and S. naso consume more food in relation to the body size, in opposite to the larger species like M. ancylodon and C. microlepidotus. The fishes of the Caeté River presented higher growth and low longevity when compared to the same species inhabit the higher latitudes.
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