This review compares the current state of ichthyofauna in the largest rivers of the northern coast of the Black Sea (Don, Kuban, Dnieper and Dniester rivers) with data published by B e r g (1948–1949). Changes in species composition are characterized by the disappearance or decline in anadromous and semi-anadromous fishes. The total number of native species that are extinct, protected, in declined or become rare has reached from 19 % in the Kuban to 36 % in the Dnieper River basins. Appreciable changes have occurred in the ratios between rheophilous and limnophilous fishes (the latter becoming predominant in many parts of the rivers). Euryhaline and even marine species have invaded most of river basins. And the number of introduced or established alien species varies from 9.7 % in the Dnieper to 16.8 % in the Kuban River basins. These changes, which have yielded quite altered ichthyofauna, must be taken into consideration in conservation endeavours.