This paper deals with a study on Brazilian south coast continental shelf demersal fish fauna distribution and Sciaenidae ecology, comprising the latitudes between Torres (29º21'S -49º44'W) and Chuí (33º41'S - 53º27'W). The data on oceanographic as well as on ichthyological variables were obtained from six cruises planned to cover all seasons during the period from April 1968 to March 1969. The variation of the physical conditions of the bottom water layer is studied covering temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and type of bottom. The demersal fish families distribution is presented according to its frequencies of occurrence and its particular abundance. As Sciaenidae family shows to be the most important predominant group each species is studied in detail with reference to its distribution and relative abundance, as well as its spatial and temporal variations according to the abiotic environment. Relationship between Sciaenidae species is also discussed concerning feeding habits and the Cole coefficient of inter-specific association is estimated for pairs of species.