The Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia provides the first-ever summary of the taxonomy, distribution, habitats and biology of all freshwater fishes between the Bosphorus, Azerbaijan, Yemen and Iran. The region is highly diverse and home to 625 species, most of which are endemic. Many of the species are known to only a few specialists, and the authors have spent 18 years compiling the information provided. The book not only shows all species in colour photographs, the first site-based distribution maps, and the current IUCN conservation status of all species. It also allows their identification through keys and detailed diagnoses, notes many open questions for future research, and refers to 1142 references for further knowledge. It brings together the relevant and authoritative information needed to understand and work on freshwater biodiversity in the region and much beyond, and will be a standard reference and timeline for years to come.