Patterns of Distribution of the Central American Ichthyofauna

Abstract

In a previous paper dealing with the biogeography of the ichthyofauna of the San Juan Province of Central America, I analyzed the vicariant patterns of distribution, in light of paleogeologic knowledge in order to determine the origin of historical faunal elements and the barriers responsible for these patterns. Some general conclusions reached at that time were that: (1) an ancient South American Element dispersed into Central America during Late Cretaceous or Paleocene times; (2) Central America was later isolated from South America during most of the Tertiary; (3) land masses south of the Nicaraguan Depression remained emergent throughout the Tertiary; and that (4) the two continents were reunited by the closure of the Bolivar seaway in Pliocene time.