The Red Sea is important for the movement of goods, especially oil, but it is also important for its rich and diverse marine life. The reefs, which are dotted along the shallow shelves that fringe the sea, are the most beautiful in the world and are a magnet for divers. The mangroves along the shores are breeding grounds for many commercially important species of fish and crustaceans and the deep waters are home to larger fish and marine mammals. Sea grass beds provide food for the Green Turtle and the Dugongs, while plankton is a major source of food for many species of fish and other creatures.

There are over 1300 species of fish, more than a thousand species of mollusks, 200 corals, more than 250 bristle worms and so on, all in this small area. Most of the most interesting, beautiful and accessible of the creatures that live in the Red Sea are to be found on the coral reefs.

13 of 17 Sohal Surgeonfish, Acanthurus sohal

The Surgeonfishes get their name from the sharp, knife-like appendages that project from either side of the base of the tail. With these weapons they are able to slash other fish or humans who do not handle them with care. They are aggressive and territorial in habit. They feed by grazing the algae that grow on the reefs.