Afghanistan’s rivers, streams and highland lakes support a small but distinct group of freshwater species shaped by elevation, seasonal flows and isolated basins. Local anglers, conservationists and curious travelers all benefit from a clear, compact list to understand what swims where.
There are 6 Fish of Afghanistan, ranging from Brown trout to Stoliczka’s loach. For each species you’ll find the Scientific name, Max length (cm), Afghan range & status — details you’ll find below.
Are these species native to Afghanistan or introduced?
Some species are native to the region while others have been introduced or have uncertain histories; the “Afghan range & status” column in the list notes presence, likely origin and conservation concerns. Use that field plus the Scientific name to check primary sources or local surveys for confirmation.
How can I use this list for field identification or study?
Use Max length (cm) to narrow size ranges, Scientific name to avoid common-name confusion, and Afghan range & status to focus on likely habitats and seasons; complement the list with photos, regional keys and local expertise for reliable field ID.
Fish of Afghanistan
| Common name | Scientific name | Max length (cm) | Afghan range & status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common carp | Cyprinus carpio | 100 | Rivers and canals nationwide; introduced; IUCN Least Concern |
| Prussian carp | Carassius gibelio | 40 | Reservoirs, rivers and canals nationwide; introduced; IUCN Least Concern |
| Brown trout | Salmo trutta | 80 | Cold mountain rivers (Hindu Kush, Panjshir); native and introduced; IUCN Least Concern |
| Snow trout | Schizothorax plagiostomus | 60 | High-altitude rivers and lakes; native; IUCN Not Evaluated |
| Stoliczka’s loach | Triplophysa stoliczkai | 18 | Highland streams (Hindu Kush, central regions); native; IUCN Not Evaluated |
| Doctor fish | Garra rufa | 20 | Springs and rivers (southern/central); native; IUCN Least Concern |
Images and Descriptions
Common carp
Large adaptable cyprinid found in rivers, canals and ponds across Afghanistan. Tolerant of varied conditions, it’s important to local fisheries but can compete with natives. Omnivorous, long-lived, and capable of reaching one metre in length in productive waters.
Prussian carp
Resilient carp relative often abundant in slow waters and irrigation systems. Tolerant of low oxygen and variable salinity, it spreads quickly and can outcompete native fish. Small to medium-bodied, commonly mistaken for goldfish or domestic carp.
Brown trout
Native and stocked trout in Afghanistan’s clear, cold streams and lakes. Predatory and prized by anglers, it feeds on insects and small fish. Populations fragmented by dams, overfishing and habitat change.
Snow trout
A hardy, streamlined cyprinid of fast, cold mountain waters. Feeds on algae and invertebrates on rocky bottoms and is important subsistence fish for highland communities. Adapted to strong currents and icy conditions.
Stoliczka’s loach
Small, bottom-dwelling loach common in cold mountain streams. Flattened body suits swift currents; feeds on insects and algae. Often overlooked but ecologically important in headwater food webs and as an indicator of stream health.
Doctor fish
Suction-mouthed cyprinid that scrapes algae and biofilm from rocks. Found in springs and slow rivers; locally common and notable for its grazing role in stream ecology and as a minor local food/farm species.
