Freshwater fishes and zoogeography of Pakistan

The freshwater fish fauna of Pakistan is briefly discussed. It is predominantly South Asian but High Asian and West Asian elements are also present. The African element is hardly perceptible. Five zoogeographical divisions of Pakistan are proposed on the basis of the composition of their fish fauna: (I) the High Asian Division; (II) the Aba-Sinh Division; (III) the Northwestern Montane Division; (IV) the Indus plain and adjoining hills Division; and (V) the Northwestern Baluchistan Division. South Asia and High Asia are recognized as two subregions within the Oriental Region, while West Asia is treated as a transitional region.