Origin of the Fresh-water Fishes of New Zealand

Abstract

IN the Journal of the Linnean Society, Zoology, 47, No. 313, pp. 99–140, 1925, Oliver has outlined what is virtually a new theory to account for the distribution of South Pacific plants and animals. It is of interest to note that the fresh-water fishes of New Zealand, not included in the above paper, appear all to conform with the suggestions: (1) Their present habits and nature are such that they may easily have crossed small areas of ocean and independent species originated in the separate land masses; or (2) marine species of a restricted habitat have taken to a life in fresh water, changing in form to meet the new conditions. Almost simultaneously Oliver (p. 109) and Skottsberg (Bishop Museum Bull. 16, p. 22, 1925) have independently suggested the modification of species and increase in number of forms after arriving at a new region.