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Marine Life . 16 species
Hundreds of reef fish species fill Marsa Alam waters. The Red Sea has an unusually high rate of endemism: about 15% of species are found nowhere else.
16Species in this groupReef fish are the heartbeat of every dive. From the omnipresent anthias clouds to iconic Napoleon wrasse, every reef tells a story through its residents.
The species
CommonCheilinus undulatus
The largest wrasse - up to 2 metres long, with a distinguishing bump on the forehead.
Best places to see one
Very commonPseudanthias squamipinnis
Small vivid orange-pink fish forming massive clouds above coral pinnacles. The defining colour of Red Sea diving.
Best places to see one
Very commonAmphiprion bicinctus
Endemic to the Red Sea. Lives in symbiosis with anemones, immune to their stinging tentacles.
Best places to see one
CommonBolbometopon muricatum
Massive parrotfish with a prominent forehead bump used to break coral. Forms large schools.
Best places to see one
Very commonPterois miles
Spectacular fan-shaped venomous fins. Hunts at dusk and night, hovering motionless over the reef.
Best places to see one
CommonBalistoides viridescens
Large, territorial triggerfish - the only Red Sea fish that may rush divers (during nesting).
Best places to see one
Very commonChaetodon semilarvatus
Bright yellow with a black eye mask. Often in pairs. Mates for life.
Best places to see one
CommonPomacanthus imperator
Striking blue body with yellow horizontal stripes. Juveniles look completely different - blue with white concentric circles.
Best places to see one
CommonPygoplites diacanthus
One of the most beautifully patterned reef fish - vertical orange, white, and blue stripes.
Best places to see one
CommonZanclus cornutus
Black, white and yellow vertical bands with an elongated dorsal fin streamer. Inspired "Gill" in Finding Nemo.
Best places to see one
Very commonAcanthurus sohal
Endemic Red Sea surgeonfish with horizontal blue stripes and a sharp scalpel-like spine near the tail.
Best places to see one
CommonNaso unicornis
Long horn protruding from the forehead. Forms loose aggregations along reef walls.
Best places to see one
CommonParupeneus cyclostomus
Yellow body with chin barbels used to sense prey hiding in sand. Often hunts cooperatively.
Best places to see one
CommonHeniochus acuminatus
Black and white stripes with elongated dorsal fin streamer that flutters like a flag.
Best places to see one
CommonDiodon hystrix
Round body covered in retractable spines. When threatened, inflates into a spiky ball.
Best places to see one
CommonPlectorhinchus chaetodonoides
Adults are golden with dark spots. Juveniles are dramatically different - white with brown blotches.
Best places to see one
