Lying between Africa and Asia, the Red Sea is a protected ecosystem belonging to the Global 200 ecoregions named by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). It encompasses around 2000 km of coral reefs, which contributes immensely towards its diverse ecosystem. According to marine life experts, the Red Sea ecosystem is the habitat for almost 1100 species of fish, more than 200 species of corals, 40 species of star fish, more than 100 species of mollusc…etc. Among the species of fish living in the Red Sea, around 40 are said to be endemic to the Red Sea and this article shall describe some of these species in brief.
Masked Butterfly-fish
According to experts, the Masked Butterfly-fish can be seen roaming in the Red seas in pairs or even in schools. One particular area where these fish can be seen in abundance is the Gota Abu Ramada East.
Picasso Triggerfish
The name given to this fish derives from its appearance; it resembles a creation of the artist Picasso. According to undersea photographers, the Picasso Triggerfish is extremely difficult to photograph as it moves suddenly from one location to another.
Flasher Wrasse
Another difficult fish to photograph is the colorful Red Sea Flasher Wrasse and sometimes, it is very difficult to even spot these elegant creatures.
Red Sea Pipefish
Being the favorite prey for stonefish and scorpionfish, Red Sea Pipefish is also a colorful creature, which is rather tiny when compared to some of the other endemic fish. However, marine photographers warn the other divers that the Piperfish may appear rather dull and beige-brown without the presence of an artificial flash.
Red Sea anemonefish
Recognized as a similar looking fish to the Asia-Pacific clownfish, the Red Sea Anemonefish belongs to the family Damselfish.
Springer’s Dottyback
The Springer’s Dottyback is also a small fish, which moves fast and is extremely shy, making it a difficult fish to photograph.
Spanish Triplefin
Although it is known as the ‘Spanish Triplefin’ this group of fish can only be seen in the Red Sea. The maximum size of these fish can be around 2.5 cm and therefore as with the Springer’s Dottyfish, the Spanish Triplefin can also be difficult to spot.
Red Sea Top Shell
As the name suggest, this fish appears as if it is a shell and it differs from most other fish because of its dull and grey appearance. It can also be covered with overgrown algae and therefore makes it difficult to spot them during a dive.
When looking at the types of fish that has been described, it is apparent that most of these creatures are reef dwellers. Thus, the most diversity or the endemicity in the Red Sea can be noted in relation to the reef inhabitants and not in pelagic fish. Although the ones described here are just a few of the endemic creatures, it should be remembered that there are other species that can only be found in the Red Sea.
