Archaeoichthyological analysis of two Mexican Pacific sites

Fish remains from the archaeological sites of Huatabampo, in Sonora, and San Felipe Aztatán, in Nayarit, within the Mexican Pacific Coast, were studied in order to establish the species used by the inhabitants of both settlements and for understanding the environment in which they developed. A total of 32 taxa were identified that, in general terms, are found in the proximity of the sites. Prior to the Posclassic period, the people from Huatabampo exploited marine and estuarine waters, both environments nowadays no longer available near the site. At San Felipe Aztatán, a Posclassic site, the fish remains indicated the exploitation of the inner side of an estuary or of a coastal lagoon, environments that prevail in the zone.