Electronic supplementary material to

Fish–otoliths from the early Miocene of Castillo Formation, Venezuela: a view into the

proto–Caribbean teleostean assemblages.

Mónica Núñez-Flores1, Ascanio D. Rincón1*, Andrés Solórzano1, Leonardo Sánchez1,

Carlos Caceres1

1Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Laboratorio de Paleontología–

Centro de Ecología, Km 11 de la Carretera Panamericana, Edo. Miranda. Aptdo. 21.827, Cod.

Postal 1020–A, Caracas, Venezuela. *Corresponding author: paleosur1974@gmail.com

ESM_1. Systematic paleontology. Here we provided a detailed description of the otoliths

recovered from the early Miocene of Castillo Formation at Cerro La Cruz locality (Lara State,

western of Venezuela). In the section “material” of each taxa, is enumerated the collection

number of the revised specimens (all housed at IVIC; see main text; the bold IVIC-number

correspond to specimens illustrated). The figure numeration is the same as provided for the main

text. Noted that we avoid repeat the taxa described on the main text in this ESM_1.

Class Osteichthyes Huxley, 1880

Subclass Actinopterygii Klein, 1885

Infraclass Teleostei Müller, 1846

Family Ariidae Bleeker, 1862

Genus Cantarius Aguilera et al., 2013

Cantarius nolfi Aguilera et al., 2013

Figure 2(a)

Material. 258 lapilli otoliths: IVIC–P–421, 545, 557, 558, 637, 809, 811, 814, 816, 819, 821,822,

824–827, 829, 832, 835, 838, 839, 841, 857, 860, 861, 863–865, 867, 868, 873, 875, 876, 878,

879, 880, 881, 883–885, 913, 916, 926, 931, 943, 948, 949, 1789, 1800, 1801, 1802–1826, 1866,

1867–1872, 1874, 1875, 1877–1882, 1884, 1887–1891, 1912–1915, 1917, 1919, 1932, 1934–

1941, 1943–1948, 1952–1954, 1956–1958, 1960–1971, 1971, 1973–1980, 2218–2228, 2236–

2249, 2293–2297, 2299–2301, 2303–2305, 2307–2316, 2365–2369, 2371, 2373, 2374,

2376,2382, 2384–2386, 2389, 2391–2403, 2405, 2435, 2562–2564, 2602–2607, 2636, 2639–

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2641, 2646, 2965–2973, 3031, 3040–3042, 3053–3061, 3146–3149, 3147–3149, 3210, 3260,

3342, 3379–3381, 3424, 3442, 3444, 3460.

Description. Otolith thick and ovoid in shape, medium to large in size (up 8 mm length). The

anterior margin is markedly concave, while the posterior margin is rounded and convex. The

presence of a small and rounded antero–mesial projection is noticeable at the anterior margin. In

lateral view, the dorsal face is slightly irregular and convex, whereas the ventral face is convex. A

short but well–developed mesial inward curvature projected toward the caudal margin is present

in the ventral face, in the mesial margin. Mesial notch shallow. The mesial shallow depression is

broad and placed along the mesial and caudal margins on the ventral face. The caudal end of the

mesial shallow depression is much more distal projected than the mesial inward curvature.

OL:OH=1.22–1.49 (n= 30); OL:OT= 2.08–2.95 (n= 30).

Remarks. This species has been previously recognized from the early Miocene of the Cantaure

and Castillo formations in Venezuela, the early to middle Miocene of the Castilletes Formation in

Colombia, the early Miocene of the Pirabas Formation in Brazil, and the middle Miocene Pebas

Formation in Colombia and Peru (Aguilera et al. 2013, 2015).

Genus Bagre Cloquet, 1816

Bagre protocaribbeanus Aguilera et al., 2013

Figure 2(b)

Material. 95 lapilli otoliths: IVIC–P–478, 588, 807, 812, 815, 815, 817, 818, 820, 823, 828, 830,

831, 833, 834, 836, 837, 840, 851–856, 858, 859, 862, 866, 871, 872, 874, 877, 882, 941, 942,

944, 945–947, 1787, 1788, 1790–1799, 1873, 1876, 1883, 1885, 1886, 1916, 1918, 1933, 1942,

1949–1951, 1959, 1972, 2229–2235, 2292, 2298, 2302, 2306, 2370, 2372, 2375, 2383, 2387,

2388, 2390, 2406, 2608, 2635, 2637, 2638, 3039, 3456, 3457– 3459, 3488, 3494.

Description. Otolith bell–shaped, large in size (up 16 mm length). In lateral view, ventral face

slightly convex, while the dorsal face significant curved and convex. Presence of a sharp

anteromesial projection in the anterior margin, whereas the caudal margin is convex. Along the

ventral face, the mesial inward curvature is long and narrow and caudally oriented. Deep mesial

notch. Caudal end of the mesial shallow depression have almost the same mesio–distal expansion

than the mesial inward curvature. OL:OH=1.05–1.29 (n=31); OL:OT=1.93–2.84 (n= 31).

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Remarks. This species represent the second ariid species from the Castillo Formation, which

previously has been recognize from the early Miocene of the Cantaure (Venezuela), Castillo

(Venezuela), and the Pirabas Formations (Brazil; Aguilera et al. 2013, 2015).

Family Hemiramphidae Gill, 1859

Genus Hyporhamphus Gill, 1859

Hyporhamphus aff. unifasciatus (Ranzani, 1842)

Figure 2(c)

Material. One otolith; IVIC–P–3108.

Description. An eroded and small otolith (up 3 mm of length), almost sub–circular in shape.

Dorsal margin irregularly lobed and straight, inclined anteriorly up to a sharp posterodorsal angle,

afterward straight, inclined backwards, but more than anteriorly. In the dorsal margin and along

the dorsal margin is present some dentations, which probably are a product of erosion. Posterior

margin almost straight. Ventral margin appears to be lobed and gently curved, but a small

fragment of sediment precludes a definitive interpretation. Sulcus groove heterosulcoid; opening

ostial. Cauda larger than ostium. The sulcus is short and located along the middle of the dorsal

margin, with a reduce ostium not differentiated from the cauda. The cauda is relatively wide, with

a tip very slightly directed toward the posteroventral portion (~30°), and located near to the

posterior margin. Ostium reduced and quadrangular in shape.

Remarks. Although apparently uncommon, similar specimens have been mentioned from the

Cantaure Formation (Venezuela), as well from the Dominican Republic and Jamaica (Nolf and

Aguilera 1998; Aguilera et al. 2011).

Family Batrachoididae Jordan, 1896

Genus Porichthys Girard, 1854

Porichthys sp.

Figure 2(e)

Material. One otolith: IVIC– P–3165.

Description. Elongate otolith sub–triangular in shape, small in size (up 3 mm length). Dorsal

margin high, with highest point in the anterior portion of the sulcus, the anterior portion is almost

straight and inclined, while the posterior portion is longer and rather concave. Ventral margin

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deeply curved. Sulcus shallow, long, with the anterior portion wider than the posterior. Ostium

and cauda poorly distinguished due to the poor preservation. Collum nearly absent. Anterior

margin broadly and regularly rounded; posterior tip pointed and rather posteriorly projected,

resulting in a stretched otolith morphology. Dorsal depression deep and wide, almost covering the

half of sulcus length.

Remarks. The specimen resembles those figured as Porichthys sp. from the Early Langhian

Cantaure Formation (Venezuela; Nolf and Aguilera 1998).

Family Centropomidae Lacépède, 1802

Genus Centropomus Lacépède, 1802

Centropomus aff. undecimalis

Figure 2(g)

Material. Two otoliths: IVIC–P– 932, 3118.

Description. Otolith lanceolate in shape, of medium size (up 11 mm length). Inner face convex,

outer face concave. Dorsal margin irregular with two rounded and low angles; ventral margin

regularly curved and entire. Posterior and anterior margins blunt. Rostrum moderate, sharply

rounded but without antirostrum or excisura. Ostium oval in shape, large and wide. Cauda short,

wide and very gently curved in their posterior portion. The tip of the cauda is located near to the

posterior margin, and is slightly posteroventral oriented. Dorsal depression long shallow and

ventral depression absent. Crista superior well developed along cauda. Crista inferior poor

developed. OL:OH= 1.64–1.86 (n=2).

Remarks: The genus Centropomus was previously recognized from the Cantaure and Cubagua

Formations in Venezuela (Aguilera and Lundberg 2010), and also from Panama, the Dominican

Republic and Ecuador (e.g. Aguilera et al. 2011).

Family Clupeidae Cuvier, 1817

Genus Opisthonema Gill, 1861

Opisthonema sp.

Figure 2(h)

Material. Two otoliths: IVIC–3113, 3114.

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Description. Small size (up 3 mm in length) and moderately thin otolith, ovate in shape. Inner

and outer face slightly convex. Dorsal margin approximately straight and entire, with an

anterodorsal low angle over the ostium; the posterior portion is less oblique than the anterior.

Ventral margin gently rounded and irregular. Ventral depression small and shallow, bellow ridge.

Posterior margin rounded and irregular. Rostrum large and pointed. Antirostrum short. Sulcus

ostial, heterosulcoid. Collum absent. Ostium narrow and very large. Cauda short, with a pointed

tip barely defined posteriorly. Excisura moderately wide, notch deep and angle acute. Crista

inferior well–development below the sulcus. Crista superior poor development, and absent along

the posterior portion of sulcus.

Remarks. In Venezuela this genus was reported from the Cantaure and Cubagua formations

(Aguilera and Lundberg 2010), and also from the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Ecuador

(see Aguilera et al. 2011).

Genus Pellona Valenciennes, 1847

Pellona sp.

Figure 2(i)

Material. Four otoliths: IVIC–P–2999, 3000, 3229, 3230.

Description. Otolith oval in shape, moderately thin, and small in size (up 3 mm in length). Inner

and outer face slightly convex. Dorsal margin approximately straight and entire, with an

anterodorsal low angle over the ostium; the posterior portion is less oblique than the anterior.

Ventral margin rounded and irregular. Posterior margin rounded and slightly irregular. Sulcus

ostial, heterosulcoid. Cauda short and poorly defined posteriorly. Rostrum reduce and rounded.

Crista inferior barely–development below the sulcus. Crista superior poor development, and

absent along the posterior portion of sulcus.

Remarks. Fossil specimens of this genus were recognized from Venezuela (at Cantaure

Formation) and Ecuador (Aguilera and Lundberg 2010; Aguilera et al. 2011).

Family Congridae Kaup, 1856

Genus Conger Oken, 1817

Conger sp.

Figure 2(j)

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Material. Three otoliths: IVIC–P– 2998, 3110, 3228

Description. Small otolith (up 4 mm in length), oval in shape. Posterior margin almost straight.

Anterior margin rather rounded. Dorsal margin straight and entire with a rounded and low

postdorsal angle. Sulcus short. The eroded anterior portion of sulcus (ostium) reach the

anterodorsal and anterior margins. Cauda wide and short, with a rounded tip located far from the

posterior margin. Ostium and cauda not differentiated.

Remarks. In the Caribbean, the genus Conger was so far reported only from the Cantaure

Formation in Venezuela.

Genus Ariosoma Swainson, 1838

Ariosoma sp.

Figure 2(f)

Material. One otolith: IVIC– P– 2995.

Description. Otolith small (up 2.5 mm in length), nearly sub–triangular in shape, and rather thick.

Inner face convex and outer face rather flat. Dorsal margin nearly triangular in shape, with

concave anterior and posterior portions. Ventral margin skewed and deeply curved. Anterior tip

rounded. Posterior tip slightly pointed. Sulcus long, narrowed, reaching close to anterior and

posterior tip of otolith. Ostium and cauda differentiated by a very slight depression at the joint

and elevated colliculum. Ostium wide and cauda narrower. Dorsal depression nearly absent.

Remarks. The genus Ariosoma is widely distributed in the fossil records of Americas. It’s present

in Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Trinidad, Panamá, Costa Rica and Ecuador

(Aguilera et al. 2011). Is for first time reported for the Castillo Formation.

Family Gobiidae Cuvier, 1816

Genera and species indet. 1

Figure 2(l)

Material. 17 otoliths: IVIC–P–2526, 3003, 3004, 3005, 3029, 3195, 3197, 3198, 3199, 3201–

3207, 3343.

Description. Otolith very small (up 2 mm in length), with rectangular outline of rounded corners.

Dorsal margin irregularly rounded, with a posterior postdorsal lobe slightly projected but not

bend outwards. Posterior margin irregular and almost straight. Ventral margin gently curved and

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slightly irregular. Anterior margin rather straight. The sulcus is oblique, very short but relatively

wide, nearly ovoid in outline. The anterior portion of the sulcus is wider than the posterior.

Remarks. The gobid otoliths from the Castillo Formation are poorly preserved and seem to

represent only juvenile individuals. As stated by Aguilera et al. (2014) the knowledge of recent

gobiids from South America is still very limited, and does not warrant the identification of any of

the morphologies identified in the Miocene. The specimens resemble those recently described in

Aguilera et al. (2014; see Fig 12.8 and 12.9).

Genera and species indet. 2

Figure 2(l)

Material. 10 otoliths: IVIC–P–3001, 3002, 3115–3117, 3194, 3196, 3200, 3208, 3209.

Description. Very small otolith (up 2 mm in length) with a nearly quadrangular outline. Anterior

and posterior margin with a central convexity along their middle portion. Dorsal margin very

irregular, with a very low postdorsal angle. Ventral margin gently curved and irregular. Sulcus

short and narrow located in medial position.

Remarks. The main shape resembles those recently described in Aguilera et al. (2014; see Fig

12.5). Their outline, as well the sulcus orientation demonstrates the presence of a second gobiid

morphology in the Castillo Formation assemblage.

Family Haemulidae Gill, 1885

Genus Haemulon Cuvier, 1829

Haemulon sp.

Figure 3(a,b)

Material. 11 otolith sagitta: IVIC–P–907, 1910, 2070, 2434, 2477, 2522, 2611, 2612, 3043, 3153,

3164.

Description. Medium sized (up 8 mm in length) and rather flat otolith, ovoid in shape. Inner face

convex, outer face flat to slightly concave. Dorsal margin rounded and irregular. Ventral margin

rounded. Ostium sub–rectangular in shape, long and narrow, with a moderately excisura. The

posteoventral portion of the ostium is slightly projected posteriorly below the most–anterior

portion of the cauda. Cauda long, narrowed and gently curved posteriorly. Horizontal portion of

the cauda is 1,5 longer than the oblique portion. Tip of the cauda directed to the postero–ventral

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margin and located close to ventral margin. Crista superior and inferior well developed along the

cauda.

Genus Orthopristis Girar, 1858

Orthopristis aff. ruber (Cuvier, 1830)

Figure 3(c)

Material. Seven otoliths: IVIC–P–421, 1907, 2433, 2609, 2610, 3018, 3104.

Description. Small sized (up 4 mm in length) and rather flat otolith, lanceolate in shape. Inner

face convex, outer face flat to slightly concave. Dorsal margin rounded and irregular. Ventral

margin rounded. Ostium sub–rectangular in shape, long and narrow, with a moderately excisura.

Cauda short, narrowed with a short and slightly curved posteriorly tip. Tip of the cauda is

directed to the postero–ventral margin and located close to ventral margin.

Remarks. The morphology of the specimens shows affinities with the extant taxa O. ruber (see

Nolf and Aguilera 1998).

Family Heterenchelyidae Regan, 1912

Genus Pythonichthys Poey, 1868

Pythonichthys pirabensis Aguilera and Schwarzhans, 2014

Figure 3(d)

Material. Two otoliths: IVIC–P– 2997, 3111.

Description. Very small sized otoliths (up 2 mm in length), oval in shape, and moderately thick.

Inner face strongly convex, without ventral furrow and with very indistinct dorsal depression.

Outer face flat to slightly concave. Dorsal margin slightly straight and irregular. Dorsal

depression absent. Ventral margin gently rounded and slightly irregular. Ventral depression

absent. Posterior margin rounded and entire. Sulcus short and narrow, slightly wider anteriorly

than posteriorly, positioned slightly supramedian, almost open to anterior tip of otolith and

terminating at moderate distance from posterior tip of otolith. Ostium and cauda not

differentiated.

Remarks. The specimens recovered from the Castillo Formation are undistinguishable from those

described by Aguilera et al. (2014). The genus Pythonichthys was previously recorded from the

Cantaure and Cubagua formations in Venezuela, and also from Panama, the Dominican Republic,

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Trinidad and Ecuador (Aguilera and Lundberg 2010; Aguilera et al. 2011). Pythonichthys

pirabensis is for first time recognized for Venezuela.

Family Lactariidae Boulenger, 1904

Genus Lactarius Valenciennes, 1833

Lactarius sp.

Figure 3(e)

Material. 11 otoliths: IVIC–P–2964, 2993, 2994, 3010, 3048, 3105, 3107, 3161–3163, 3231.

Description. Otolith rhomboidal in shape, up 7 mm in length. Inner face convex and outer face

concave. Dorsal margin raised, angular and flattened. Ventral margin lobate and sinuate.

Posterior margin oblique with an obtuse median angle, irregular to sinuate. Rostrum short, broad

and sharply rounded. Ostium oval in shape, slightly slanted dorsally. Excisura moderate, notch

very shallow. Cauda short, narrow and straight, tip indistinct but do not reaches the posterior

margin. Dorsal depression deep, wide and long; ventral depression absent. Crista superior well

developed over the ostium and cauda. Crista inferior poorly developed under the ostium and the

cauda.

Remarks. This genus has been recovered from Venezuela, Panama, Costa Rica, the Dominican

Republic and Ecuador (Aguilera et al. 2011).

Family Lutjanidae Gill, 1861

Genus Pristipomoides Bleeker, 1852

Pristipomoides sp.

Figures 3(g,h,i)

Material. 37 otoliths: IVIC–P–633, 634, 636, 639, 906, 933, 934, 935, 937, 938, 1112, 2075,

2437, 2466, 2617, 2643, 2644, 3028, 3030, 3044, 3045, 3047, 3121, 3123, 3143– 3145, 3186–

3189, 3235, 3517–3519.

Description. Medium to large sized otolith (up 10 mm in length), rhomboidal in shape. Inner face

convex. Outer face concave and smooth. Dorsal margin straight inclined anteriorly up to a sharp

mediodorsal angle, afterward straight, inclined backwards, but less so than anteriorly, towards an

obtuse postdorsal angle. Ventral margin rounded. Posterior margin oblique, strongly with obtuse

median angle behind the tip of cauda. Ostium slightly variable in shape, generally oval, but also

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rectangular and rounded in shape. The ostium is usually dorsoanteriorly directed (sometimes is

just anteriorly directed). The cauda is short, in adult large specimens is wider than in juveniles.

Dorsal depression very deep. Crista superior well–developed over the cauda. OL:OH=1.21–1.26

(n: 6).

Remarks. This taxa is easily recognized by the presence of two angles along their dorsal margin.

The presence of specimens of distinctive ontogenetic development allow to us to recognize that

adult individuals shows a more oblique and longer tip of the cauda, as well as an increase of the

width of the cauda.

Family Polymixiidae Bleeker, 1859

Genus Polymixia Lowe, 1838

Polymixia sp.

Figure 3(f)

Material. One otolith: IVIC–P– 3106.

Description. Very small (up 2.4 mm in length) and thin otolith, with ovate to sub–triangular

shape. Inner face convex. Outer face slightly concave. Dorsal margin lobed or irregular with a

subtriangular outline. Ventral margin skewed rounded and irregular. Posterior margin rather

straight. Anterior margin slightly pointed. Ostium and cauda not differentiated. Cauda long,

narrow and horizontal in their anterior portion, but their tip is wider and recurved toward the

ventral margin; the tip almost reach the ventral margin. Ostium is reduced and connected to the

anterior margin.

Remarks. Although Aguilera & Lundberg (2010) did not mention Polimixia from Venezuela, in a

later work (Aguilera et al. 2011) support their presence in this country. Their probably record is

from Cantaure Formation, in which Nolf and Aguilera (1998) mentioned a Polynemiidae

indeterminate (pp. 261: plate 14: fig 12) very similar to the specimen here described. This genus

is hence recognizing from Venezuela and Dominican Republic (Aguilera et al. 2011).

Family Sciaenidae Gill, 1861

Genus Frizzellithus Schwarzhans, 1993

Frizzellithus longecaudatus (Nolf and Aguilera, 1998)

Figure 4(a)

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Material. 34 otoliths: IVIC–P–791, 894, 895, 901, 905, 909, 960, 1911, 2008, 2045–2050, 2058,

2059, 2279–2283, 2289, 2353, 2354, 2439–2443, 2569, 2570, 2618–2620.

Description. Medium sized otolith (up 7 mm in length), subtriangular in shape. Inner face clearly

convex. Outer face slightly convex to flat. In some specimens were observed nodules and

tubercles in the outer face. Dorsal margin straight and entire. Ventral margin deeply rounded.

Posterior margin curved. Strongly enlarged ostium, sub–quadrangular in shape, slightly inclined

downward and connected with the anterior margin. Postostial lobe clearly developed. Ostial–

caudal joint oblique. Anterior portion of cauda short and straight, the posterior portion is deeply

ventrally curved. The cauda tip do not extending below the ostium and do not reaches to the

ventral and posterior margin. Area situated between the Postostial lobe and the curved posterior

portion of the cauda is narrow. Dorsal depression elongate and narrow. Crista superior poorly

developed over ostium and moderately developed along cauda. Crista inferior poorly developed

under ostium and well developed along the cauda. OL:OH= 1.12–1.24 (n=16). OL:OT= 2.55–

4.37 (n=16).

Remarks. The biogeographical distribution of this species was previously recognized only from

the early Miocene of the Cantaure Formation (Falcon State, Venezuela; Nolf and Aguilera 1998;

Aguilera and Lundberg 2010). But now also includes the Castillo Formation at the southern

margin of the Falcon Basin (Lara State, Venezuela), as well the northern of Colombia in the

Castilletes and Jimol formations (Aguilera et al. 2016).

Genus Aplodinotus Rafinesque, 1819

Aplodinotus hoffmani Nolf and Aguilera, 1998

Figure 4(b)

Material. 38 otoliths: IVIC–P–2444, 2576, 2962, 3012–3019, 3032, 3046, 3049, 3141, 3142,

3166–3185, 3262, 3263.

Description. Medium sized otolith (up 7.6 mm in length), rectangular in shape. The inner and

outer face slightly convex. Dorsal margin straight and irregular. Ventral margin rounded.

Posterior margin straight. Ostium enlarged, quadrangular in shape, connected with the anterior

margin, and clearly anterior directed. Postostial lobe clearly developed. Ostial–caudal joint

oblique. rsal depression elongate and narrow. Cauda long and L–shaped, anterior portion is short

and straight, while posterior portion is long and almost straight. The cauda tip do not extending

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below the ostium and do not reaches the ventral and posterior margin. Crista superior poorly

developed over ostium and moderately developed along cauda. Crista inferior poorly developed

under ostium and well developed along the cauda. Ratio sagitta length/width: 1.20–1.52 (n=6).

Ratio sagitta length/thickness: 2.72–3.68 (n=6).

Remarks. Aplodinotus hoffmani has been recognized from the Cantaure and Cubagua formations

in Venezuela (Aguilera and Lundberg 2010), the Castilletes Formation (Colombia; Aguilera et al.

2016), and now is also confirmed from the Castillo Formation.

Genus Equetulus Aguilera and Schwarzhans, 2014

Equetulus davidandrewi (Nolf and Aguilera, 1998)

Figure 4(d)

Material. 467 otoliths: IVIC– 546, 560–564, 635, 797–801, 889, 890–893, 896, 902, 915, 919,

929, 930, 951–957, 966, 1130, 1831–1865, 1908, 1909,1955,1981–2007,2009–2044, 2069,

2250–2278, 2317–2341, 2404,2407–2427, 2436, 2453– 2462, 2464, 2467–2472, 2532– 2561,

2573, 2575, 2577–2601,2624–2634, 2642, 2655, 2660,2662–2663, 2937–2961, 2974–2992,

3033–3037, 3071–3103, 3128–3140, 3154–3160, 3213–3220, 3320–3341, 3377, 3378, 3425–

3428, 3440, 3441, 3452– 3455, 3461–3469, 3478, 3479, 3489–3492, 3495–3501.

Description. Medium sized otolith (up 6.5 mm in length), subcircular in shape. Inner face

strongly convex. Outer face slightly convex. Dorsal margin irregular. Ventral margin rounded.

Posterior margin straight with a slightly inferior pointed tip, which is absent in very juvenile

specimens. Ostium reduced, nearly circular in shape, connected with the anterior margin. Ostial–

caudal joint oblique. Cauda long and narrow, very regularly bent at junction of horizontal with

vertical stretch. The cauda tip is ventrally directed, do not extending below the ostium and do not

reaches the ventral and posterior margin. Dorsal depression narrow. Crista superior poorly

developed over ostium and moderately developed along cauda. Crista inferior poorly developed

under ostium and well developed along the cauda the cauda. Ratio sagitta length/width: 1.02–

1.22 (n=28). Ratio sagitta length/thickness: 2.39–3.31 (n=28).

Remarks. The otolith of this species is the most commonly found in the sampled strata. The

dominance of E. davidandrewi in the otoliths assemblages of chronologically comparative

localities like the Aquitanian of the Pirabas Formation (Brazil; Aguilera et al. 2014) and the

Cantaure Formation (Venezuela; Nolf and Aguilera 1998), as well their widespread distribution

12

including Colombia, Panama, and Venezuela, document the great abundance of this species along

the proto–Caribbean during the Miocene, exhibiting a clear tropical amphiamerican pattern

(Westgate et al. 2005; Aguilera et al. 2016).

Genus Pareques Gill, 1876

Pareques jungi (Aguilera and Rodrigues de Aguilera, 2004)

Figure 4(e)

Material. One otolith: IVIC–P–2349.

Description. Otolith of medium sized (up 5 mm in length) rectangular in shape. Inner and outer

face convex. Dorsal margin straight and irregularly. Ventral margin rounded. Posterior margin

straight. Ostium subquadrangular, inclined toward the ventral margin and connected with the

anterior margin. Midventral nocth and precaudal depression is absent. Cauda long and narrow

arched with caudal tip toward the ventral margin. Dorsal depression is absent. Crista superior is

poorly developed over ostium and moderately developed over cauda. Crista inferior is poorly

developed under ostium and cauda. OL:OH=1.37. OL:OT= 4.11.

Remarks. The only otolith recovered is highly eroded, however their outline, as well it cauda

shape support their identification.

Genus Polycirrhus Bocourt, 1869

Polycirrhus schwarzhansi (Aguilera and Rodrigues de Aguilera, 2004)

Figure 4(f)

Material. 84 otoliths: IVIC–P– 422, 423, 792, 810, 904, 910-912, 958, 959, 1892-1899, 2051-

2054, 2056, 2063, 2343, 2346-2348, 2355, 2356, 2445, 2447-2452, 2473-2476, 2478-2487, 2514,

2515, 2517-2521, 2523, 2524, 2613-2615, 2621-2623, 2645, 2657, 2659, 2664, 3008, 3009,

3062, 3063, 3065-3070, 3151, 3152, 3261, 3423.

Description. Otolith rectangular in shape, thick and medium to large in size (up 9 mm in length).

Inner face convex and outer face convex to flat. Dorsal margin straight and irregular. Ventral

margin convex and slightly rounded. Posterior margin almost straight and oblique, with a

postdorsal projection. Ostium rectangular in shape, slightly inclined downward and connected

with the anterior margin. Postostial lobe well–development. On the inner face, the region above

the ostium is moderately expanded. Ostial–caudal joint oblique. Midventral notch absent. Dorsal

13

depression elongate and narrow. Cauda long, deeply curved with the tip anterior oriented, but do

not extending below the ostium and do not reaches the ventral margin. Cauda homogeneously

wide. OL:OH=1.35–1.55 (n= 42).

Remarks. This species has been previously recognized from the Castilletes, Jimol (Colombia),

and Cantaure formations (Venezuela; Aguilera et al. 2016).

Polycirrhus jaramilloi Aguilera, Schwarzhans and Bearez, 2016

Figure 4(k)

Material. Five otoliths: IVIC–P–808, 2055, 2446, 2525, 3064.

Description. Otolith rectangular in shape, moderately thick and medium in size (up 8 mm in

length). Inner face convex and outer face convex to flat. Dorsal margin straight and irregular.

Ventral margin convex and slightly rounded. Posterior margin almost straight and oblique, with a

postdorsal projection. Ostium rectangular in shape, slightly inclined downward and connected

with the anterior margin. Postostial lobe well–development. Dorsal depression elongate and

narrow. Cauda long, deeply curved with the tip anterior oriented, but do not extending below the

ostium and do not reaches the ventral margin. Cauda homogeneously wide. OL:OH=1.60–1.65

(n=5).

Remarks. When Polycirrhus OL:OH ratios were examined we noted a bimodal pattern. Mostly

otoliths shows ratio lower than 1.55 (mean of 1.45; n=42), and represent members of Polycirrhus

schwarzhansi (previously recorded from Cerro La Cruz; Aguilera and Rodrigues de Aguilera,

2004), whereas just five specimen show ratios larger than 1.60, which allows us to identify a

second Polycirrhus species, Polycirrhus jaramilloi (following Aguilera et al. 2016). This

confirms Aguilera et al. (2016), who found that both species may occur parallel in early Miocene

bed at Castilletes, Jimol and Cantaure formations in Colombia and Venezuela.

Genus Plagioscion Gill, 1862

Plagioscion marinus Aguilera and Rodrigues de Aguilera, 2003

Figure 4(h)

Material. 35 otoliths: IVIC–P–802 to 806, 869, 870, 897–900, 903, 914,940, 1905, 1906, 2060,–

2062, 2071, 2072, 2284–2286, 2342– 2344, 2345, 2438, 2463, 2571, 2572, 2648, 3038, 3211,

3212).

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Description. Otolith subrectangular in shape, very thick and large (up 15 mm in length). Inner

face slightly convex, and outer face asymmetrical (posterior portion much more curved) convex.

In some cases we observed nodules and tubercles in the outer face. Dorsal margin slightly

straight and irregular. Ventral margin slightly rounded. Posterior margin is straight and oblique.

Ostium large quadrangular in shape, inclined around 30–35 degree respect to the ventral margin.

The anterior portion of the ostium reaches the anterior margin. Ostium with a clearly developed

Postostial lobe. Midventral notch is slightly development. Cauda long and arched, U–shaped with

caudal tip curved in anterior direction, almost reaching the ventral margin, but not extending

below the ostium. The dorsal portion of the cauda is much narrower than the posterior portion.

Ostial–caudal joint oblique. Dorsal depression elongate and narrow. Crista superior poorly

developed over ostium and well–developed along cauda. Crista inferior poorly developed under

ostium and moderately well–developed along the cauda. OL:OH=1.30–1.69.

Remarks. Schwarzhans (1993) mentions the absence of a postostial lobe in Plagioscion.

However, in some extant and extinct forms belonging to this genus, a clear ostostial lobe is

visible (see Aguilera and Rodrigues de Aguilera 2003 for details). Four extinct species belong to

this genus, Plagioscion marinus, Plagioscion urumacoensis, Plagioscion travassosi and

Plagioscion ultimus (Aguilera and Rodrigues de Aguilera 2003; Aguilera et al. 2014, 2016).

Fossil forms of this genus occurs through the Miocene of the proto–Caribbean, from Colombia

(Castilletes Formation), Brazil (Pirabas Formation), Trinidad and Venezuela (Castillo, Cantaure,

Urumaco and Cubagua formations), and even from Peru (Monsch 1998; Aguilera et al. 2016).

See more details in the main text.

Genus Protolarimus Aguilera and Schwarzhans, 2014

Protolarimus henrici (Nolf and Aguilera, 1998)

Figure 4(i)

Material. One otolith: IVIC–P–793.

Description. Elongated and large otolith (up 9 mm in length), rectangular in shape. Inner face

convex. Outer face asymmetrically convex with nodules. Dorsal margin straight and irregular.

Posterior margin slightly oblique with a well–marked postero–ventral angle. Ventral margin

straight. Ostium very large, rectangular in shape, slightly inclined downward, reaching the

anterior margin. Postostial lobe well development, midventral nocth not observed, and expanded

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predorsal portion just above the most anterior ostium. Cauda long and wide, arched in L–shape,

with caudal tip connect with ventral margin probably due to the erosion. The posterior portion of

cauda is wider than the dorsal portion. Crista superior well developed along the cauda and poorly

developed over ostium. Crista inferior poorly developed along the cauda and under ostium.

OL:OH=1.87.

Remarks. Although the specimen is eroded, its large size and thickness, the outline of the dorsal

rim, and the cauda arrangement is typical for Protolarimus henrici, which so far have been only

recognized from the Cantaure Formation (Nolf and Aguilera 1998), and thus now expand its

biogeographical range to the Castillo Formation (Lara State, Venezuela).

Genus Protosciaena Sasaki, 1989

Protosciaena neritica Aguilera and Rodrigues de Aguilera, 2004

Figures 4(j)

Material. 31 otoliths: IVIC–P–638, 795, 596, 886–888, 1900–1904, 2064–2066, 2287, 2288,

2350–2352, 2429–2432, 2566–2568, 2647, 2963, 3150, 3319, 3493.

Description. Otolith,nearly pentagonal in shape, up 8 mm in length. The inner face is smooth.

Outer face is concave. Dorsal margin is straight and entire. Ventral margin is deeply rounded

without post ventral concavity or notch. Posterior margin is triangular. Short and wide ostium,

subcirular in shape. The most anterior portion of the ostium narrower. In some specimens ostium

there is a relatively development of the midventral notch. Postotatial lobe absent to very poorly

development. Precaudal depression is absent. Cauda short, wide and straight along the dorsal

margin. The tip of the cauda is narrower, rounded and gently flexed ventrally, but do not reaches

the posterior margin. Dorsal depression is shallow and elongated and ventral depression is absent.

Crista superior and inferior well developed along el ostium and long cauda. OL:OH=0.97–1.16

(n=17).

Remarks. This species was previously recognize from the Cantaure and Castillo formations in

Venezuela (Aguilera and Lundberg 2010), and also Castilletes Formation in Colombia (Aguilera

et al. 2016).

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ESM_2. Relative abundance by level. Illustration of the otoliths relative abundance along the

stratigraphic levels sampled in Cerro La Cruz (Lara State, Castillo Formation, Venezuela), based

on data of the Table 1. Only levels with more than ten otoliths are included. Note the dominance

in almost all levels of the ariids (Bagre +Cantarius) and Equetulus, while the others taxa are

relatively uncommon along the sedimentary sequence of Cerro La Cruz (see more details in the

main text).

Figure ESM_2. Relative abundance of otolith of several taxa along the stratigraphic level

sampled in Cerro La Cruz (Lara State, Castillo Formation, Venezuela).

ESM_References

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