As well as being the largest freshwater lake in Central America, Cocibolca (its indigenous name which means “sweet sea”) has another special feature – it is home to sea creatures including sharks, swordfish and tarpon… Yes, that’s right, fish from the open ocean! These species have evolved to survive in their freshwater environment. It is believed that Lake Nicaragua, together with Lake Managua to the northwest, was originally part of an oceanic bay until it was landlocked by a volcanic eruption which formed these two lakes, linked by the Tipitapa River. The ocean fish trapped by this eruption had to adapt as the saltwater gradually became freshwater. In addition to its incredible fauna, the lake has plenty of other attractive traits including the magnificent volcanoes that surround it, a whole host of islands and lush vegetation.
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