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.

4 of 17 Scorpionfish, Scorpaenopsis oxycephala

This is the one of the venomous fish of the Red Sea, where it is found in sheltered places resting on hard bottoms, rubble, living corals or similar surfaces. They can vary their coloration to match the habitat and are thus easily overlooked. They eat fish, crustaceans and cephalopods. When disturbed they raise their venomous spines and can deliver a nasty sting.