Fish species endemic to the Aral and Caspian Sea basins.

About 50% of the Caspian Sea's ichthyofauna is shared with the Black Sea/Sea of Azov. Such are not included in this list.


Invalid/excluded taxa not within iNat Taxonomy:

  • Aral Shemaya (Alburnus chalcoides aralensis)
  • Aral Carp (Cyprinus carpio aralensis)
  • Aral Stickleback (Pungitius platygaster aralensis)
  • Caspian Tyulka (Clupeonella caspia)
  • Freshwater Tyulka (Clupeonella tscharchalensis)
  • Aral Roach (Rutilus rutilus aralensis)

One of the more interesting endemics: Duckbill Pugolovka (Anatirostrum profundorum), a deepwater goby in the Caspian that has lost its colouration and resembles a marine deepsea species. [Photos, Info]

Caspian Sea fish checklist, Aral Sea fish checklist, Changes in the Aral Sea ecosystems during the period 1960-1990, Amu Darya notable fishes,