Although fishes are the most numerous and diverse groups of vertebrates and about 40% of them are freshwater, not only in Iran, but also in many parts of the world have been neglected. The inland water fishes of Iran with more than 163 species are highly diverse from biodiversity point of view. Unfortunately, the biological and ecological characteristics and distribution of many of these species which are mostly native taxa, have not been fully studied. Several species, including five sturgeon species and cyprinids such as great barb, sabrefish and Caspian Sea brown trout are among the endangered species. Some other taxa are among the threatened or vulnerable groups. Thus, it is necessary to extensively study them from population, ecology, conservation and management points of view.

Considering the need of the scientific community for this kind of information, the Deputy of Natural Environment and Biodiversity of Iran Department of Environment decided to prepare this book as one of its highest priority projects. Although many experts have studied the inland water fishes of Iran and their characteristic and have published valuable references, however, this atlas is prepared pictorially to introduce the inland water fishes of the country to facilitate the future work of various scientific communities, including experts and students, as an invaluable source. Thus, it is necessary to properly acknowledge the efforts of all the people involved in the preparation of this book.