Dynamics of the first description of freshwater species of fish and lampreys that inhabit Russia and the adjacent countries of the former Soviet Union

The paper analyses the dynamics of the first descriptions of freshwater fish and lampreys species which have inhabited Russia and adjacent countries of the former Soviet Union for over 250 years. The data for 387 species are grouped by decades from the first one (1751–1760) to the 26th decade (2001–2010). Two peaks of discovery of new species are shown in the first and the 13th (1871–1880) decades. For almost 60%, the type specimens are of Russian origin; others were discovered outside of the discussed area and were found in it later. With consideration of the obtained dynamics, the probability of finding of new species is prognosticated, especially in the families Salmonidae and Gobiidae. A complete list of the discovered fish species is presented by decades, and descriptions are indicated from four prominent Russian reviews. The necessity of unifying of Latin and Russian vertebrate names is emphasized.