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The isolated Red Sea contains distinctive coral ecosystems with a high number of endemic species of fish and invertebrates. The Red Sea is the warmest and saltiest of the world’s seas. No perennial coastal rivers or streams flow into it, and it is partially isolated from the open ocean. These features contribute to the development of a unique ecosystem. The spectacular coral reefs, for which the Red Sea is renowned, are found only in the central and northern portions where the reefs are well developed and drop steeply into deep water.
Some islands in the Red Sea are the exposed parts of reefs, which exist throughout the ecoregion. But the ecoregion is best known for the spectacular corals that live in the central and northern areas. Here vibrant corals of all sizes, shapes, and colors grow.
The waters glitter with a rainbow of fish, including butterfly fishes and many endemic dottybacks and triplefins. Loggerhead, leatherback, olive ridley, and hawksbill turtles paddle slowly about. Several species of dolphins, Blainsville's beaked whales, and white-tip reef sharks wind their way around the rocks and corals, while dugongs (a manatee-like animal) graze on sea grasses. Giant clams lie on sandy patches, while brown boobies, ospreys, white-eyed gulls, pink-backed pelicans, and terns dive from the sky for fish.
Overfishing, as well as souvenir collecting, scuba diving, and other recreational activities, represent major disturbances to the reefs. Oil exploration and transport have resulted in oil spills. Sewage, chemical pollution, and sedimentation caused by urban development pose further threats to the reefs.
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