Title: Life history of the five main commercial shrimp species (Penaeidae family) in coastal waters of El Salvador.

This study describes some aspects of the biology and biomass estimates of the most commercially important shrimp species to El Salvador. These species are by order of importance, the white shrimps, Penaeus vannamei, P. californiensis, and P. stylirostris, followed by red shrimps, P. brevirostris, and brown shrimps, P. californiensis. Life history parameters were estimated with a focus on variability between fishing zones and depths. Most of the shrimp species showed differential distribution influenced by the interannual variations, bathymetry, and recruitment variations. In 2019 the biomass was 33% higher compared with 2015 and P. vannamei was the most representative 67% in 2019. Length frequency distribution and mean length at sexual maturity show sexual dimorphism and males become mature before females. CPUE estimations show that white shrimps are harvested all year round but during January and February the catches per unit effort increased. The red shrimp’s most important months for harvesting were from August to January. A data collection program is suggested to obtain time-series data that can contribute to assessment of the resources and provide tools to the decision-makers.