The flora and fauna of the Red Sea are unique. This is because no river flows into it. That is why this part of the world’s water basin is characterized by clear water. About the fish that live in the Red Sea, read this article.
Food Instances
Many people wonder, “Where is the Red Sea?” It is located near the state of Egypt, popular with tourists from all over the world. Travelers seek to get to know the flora and fauna of the local sea expanses and, of course, want to try Egyptian delicacies. They are, as usual, prepared from the edible fish of the Red Sea. For instance:
- Fugu is a popular dish that came to the Gulf countries from Japan. It is prepared from fish called "balloon". She swells and becomes like a ball in moments of danger. It does not attack a person, but her needles are very poisonous. Therefore, the preparation of puffer is entrusted only to highly qualified chefs. You need to perfectly master special recipes in order to neutralize dangerous poison.
- Caranx reaches a length of 40-150 cm. Its meat has good taste, which is why fish are often fried, baked and stewed.
- Mackerel is a valuable commercial fish, the meat of which contains a large amount of vitamin B 12 and healthy fats for humans. In addition, it has no bones, and it is distinguished by tenderness.
- Marlin is a representative of the ichthyofauna, whose body can reach 4 m in length. Its dorsal fin is hard, muzzle is spear-shaped. Marlin is an object of sport fishing. Often, caught individuals are released back into the sea. Their meat is considered a delicacy and is served only in the best restaurants.
Parrot fish
Probably, this representative of ichthyofauna is one of the most common in the waters of the Red Sea. The appearance of the parrot fish is fully consistent with its name. The color is very bright: blue-green, orange-red or yellow. On the forehead there is a growth resembling a bird's beak. These fish of the Red Sea are large and can reach a length of 50 cm. However, they are not toxic. Nevertheless, a bite made by their powerful jaws is a great danger to humans. The fact is that they are quite painful. The peculiarity of the parrot fish is its self-defense means: a cocoon, similar to jelly, appearing at night. So the representative of ichthyofauna prevents the attack of predators and parasites. Even the hypersensitive moray eel cannot find parrotfish by smell.
It’s all about appearance
The name Napoleon fish got its name because of a large growth on the head, similar to the cocked hat of the notorious French emperor. Another name is widespread among the people - "gubach", which the fish received due to its peculiar appearance. It seems that individuals of this species have huge puffy lips. Fish can reach a length of 2 meters. However, the external severity does not reflect the good-natured nature of representatives of this species. Napoleon fish is very sociable. Often, individuals swim up to divers and try to get to know each other better. But they never attack people.
Two-lane Amphiprion
The fish of the Red Sea are unique. Most of the species living here have an unusual color. For example, amphiprion got its name due to the fact that its body is painted with bright orange-white stripes with a black outline. Sometimes there may be another name for this species - "clown fish". Very often, representatives of this species become the subject of photography. They are not at all afraid of divers and underwater photographers. To protect against predators, these fish inhabit near sea anemones. These marine inhabitants are completely safe for representatives of this species, but other inhabitants of the water expanses shy away from such places. The fact is that in the tentacles of sea anemones is poison. But special mucus protects the body of amphiprions.
Butterfly fish
This species is easily recognizable by the high stigma of an oval shape. It is very flattened. Also, individuals belonging to this species have an unusually long dorsal fin. The body of the fish is usually yellow-orange, against a bright background are white elongated spots in a thin black edging. These representatives of ichthyofauna inhabit a shallow depth. Lead a daily lifestyle. Because of this, they have long been studied by divers and scientists. Usually fish either live in pairs or gather in a few schools. Color in different populations can vary: from blue-orange and red-yellow to black-silver.
Imperial angel
Fish of the Red Sea related to this species have an unusual color. Their body is covered with stripes, spots, dots. The colors prevailing in the color are yellow, white and blue. They can be combined in different ways, smoothly transition from one to another or even merge, turning into a completely new shade. The drawing can be directed in different directions. It can be circular, diagonal, wavy, transverse or vertical. Despite the fact that there are no two absolutely identical imperial angels, these exotic fish of the Red Sea can be recognized without difficulty.
Predatory inhabitants of the deeps of the sea
At great depths, aggressive representatives of fauna and even flora can live. Many fish and marine animals attack in self-defense. They will not attack a person if they do not feel the threat emanating from him. However, their aggressive behavior can be provoked. For example, the instincts of predators are exacerbated if a person has an open wound, because of which the smell of blood emanates from him. In order not to suffer during a vacation on the Red Sea, you need to follow a few simple rules:
- Do not touch the fish, even if they seem harmless and you really want to touch them.
- Do not swim at night, because in the dark, visibility is reduced, and you may simply not notice a predator approaching you.
A fish attack can result in serious injury. Their attack carries a potential danger to human life.
Deceiving appearance
Dangerous fish in the Red Sea may seem kind and friendly. In order not to fall for the “hook” and not be deceived by their pretty appearance, you need to know the “enemy in the face”. So, one of the most dangerous for humans is a surgeon fish.
To protect themselves from attacks by stronger predators, representatives of this species produce sharp spikes hidden in special recesses on the tail fins. In their severity, they are not inferior to surgical scalpels. Hence the fish got its name. The length of individuals is about 1 meter. The body is painted very brightly. It can be blue, pink-brown and even lemon. However, you should not make attempts to stroke these inhabitants of the sea, because this can end badly.
Stone fish
Invisible in appearance, this representative of the ichthyofauna merges with the seabed in shape and color, burrowing into soft soil. Her appearance is repulsive: the entire gray body is covered with warty growths, which allows the fish to mask. Because of this, you can not notice it and accidentally step on. A prick on the spikes located on the dorsal fin can cause death. Therefore, you must immediately seek medical help from the nearest hospital.
After poisoning with poison, a person experiences excruciating pains, he begins to clouding his consciousness. Vascular disorders and problems with heart rhythms are signs that a swimmer has stepped on a representative of this species. It is possible to recover, but this process is very difficult and time consuming.
Lionfish
What other fish exist in the Red Sea? These include the lionfish, which has ribbon-like fins and poisonous needles. When it is struck with spikes, a person loses consciousness, respiratory cramps begin. Because of their color, representatives of this species resemble a fan: brown-red scales are covered with wavy stripes. For this reason, it has another name - "zebra fish."
Ramps
Where the Red Sea is located, or rather, in its waters, two species of stingrays live - electric and stingray . An attack by these fish can lead to serious consequences, but for no reason the rays will not show aggression. What can happen if these representatives of the ichthyofauna are provoked to attack?
First, the victim may receive an electrical discharge. It is so strong in power that as a result, the heart may stop or paralysis may occur.
Secondly, an injection of a poisonous spike is a very painful wound, the healing of which is a problematic and long process.
However, no deaths from stingray attacks have been reported to date.
Sea Dragon
These poisonous fish of the Red Sea are considered, perhaps, the most unpredictable predators. Dark stripes and spots are located on their body. In general, the fish is inconspicuous, its length is not more than half a meter. The body is elongated. Eyes set high to make hunting easier. Sea dragon warns of the attack, spreading a fan of the dorsal fin. However, victims do not always have time to notice this gesture. All needles located on the elongated body of the fish are very toxic. Spikes are located on the gill covers.
Representatives of this species can hunt in shallow water, off the coast, as well as at a depth of up to 20 m. Sometimes people inadvertently stepped on a dragon lying in the sand. An interesting fact is that the fish is still poisonous for several hours after death. Therefore, it poses a great danger to fishermen. The injection of a poisonous dragon leads to the appearance of edema, paralysis. With heart failure, the risk of death is high.
Barracuda
Large fish of the Red Sea can reach a length of 2 m. Barracuda in appearance resembles a pike. She has small scales and knife-shaped teeth. With their help, the predator firmly captures prey. It does not show aggression towards a person, however, it can confuse its limbs with fish in troubled waters. In addition, during the hunt, predatory fish of the Red Sea join sharks, and this increases the risk of injury. It is believed that certain varieties of barracuda are edible. Moreover, their meat is very valuable. However, having tasted such a delicacy, a person can get severe poisoning with many symptoms. These include violations in the work of some organs, and this, in turn, can lead to death.
Coral reefs
The pearl of Egypt and the Red Sea are coral reefs. These are invertebrate organisms. They absorb calcium from water, and then use it to build colonies. Simply put, they independently create their skeleton. The most fascinating views of the corals open at night. It is at this time of day that they begin the “hunt” and reveal their entire color scheme.
Flora
The Red Sea is home to amazing plant organisms. These include the blue-green alga Trichodesmium. During mass reproduction, it acquires a pronounced red or brown color. A bright pigment is called phycoerythrin. In such periods, it seems as if the water itself is “blooming”. It is because of this that the Red Sea got its name.