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.

7 of 17 Blackside Hawkfish, Paracirrhites forsteri

Most species of hawkfishes sit on the sea bottom, sometimes wedging themselves in place with their thickened lower pectoral rays. They dart out rapidly to catch their prey, which is usually fish, or occasionally shrimps. Besides the bright color form seen here, there is also a dark brown color form that shades to orange-yellow towards the rear.