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.

10 of 17 Twobar Anemonefish, Amphiprion bicinctus

This brightly colored little fish of about 12cm lives in close association with a poisonous sea anemone. The fish covers itself with the mucus of the anemone so it is not recognized as prey. The largest fish in a group is always female, having changed sex and developed from the dominant male. From 500–1500 eggs are laid on a rock under the anemone.