Edible fish of the Red Sea. A fairy tale in reality - the animal world of the Red Sea: a sketch about underwater inhabitants Dangerous fish of the Red Sea hurghada
Sea snake
A source: www.divefoto.ru
Meeting a sea snake is a rare occurrence for a swimmer. These creatures usually avoid people, and if they attack, then only in self-defense. The greatest risk of being attacked by a snake is in dense marine vegetation, where it can be overlooked in time.
Moray eels or other conger eels are often confused with snakes. To understand for sure who is in front of you, look at the tail of the creature: if it is flattened from the sides and looks like a belt, then this is a sea snake.
The sea snake has a flattened tail
A source: dic.academic.ru
Sea snakes are small, up to 1 m long. They swim at a depth of up to five meters, feed on mollusks, crustaceans and fish.
Sea snakes are the most venomous in the world. Their poison is similar in action to poison, but is 10 times more powerful than it. The bite of a baby snake is just as toxic as that of an adult. Symptoms of poisoning appear slowly: several hours pass from the bite to the first spasms of the jaw muscles.
First aid in case of a bite by a sea snake - immobilization of the victim. After that, you need to urgently transport the bitten to the doctor, otherwise a fatal outcome is threatened.
A source: samiedem.blogspot.com
Sea urchins live mainly in coral reefs, underwater rocks and between rocks. The needles of these creatures are so sharp that they can easily pierce rubber slippers and wetsuits.
Several species of sea urchins can be found in the Red Sea. Near the shore, red and gray-black Toxopneustes pileolus like to soak in warm water. Their needles are very short, up to 2 cm in length, but no less dangerous than their relatives.
A little deeper in the sea live diadem sea urchins (Diadema). This subspecies has very long needles, up to 30-40 cm. In addition, the diadem hedgehog distinguishes between light and shadow with the help of special organs, and at the sight of an object that suddenly appears in front of it, it instantly directs its spikes at it.
The needles of sea urchins are very fragile, when they enter the human body, they break, and the fragments cause inflammation. The venom of the hedgehog is not fatal. In addition to burning pain at the injection site, the victim begins shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and passing paralysis may occur. First aid usually consists of removing needles from the wound, treating it with disinfectants. You can treat the wound with lemon juice - it dissolves the fragments of the needle. After that, you need to lower the injured limb in very hot water for 30 minutes, and then consult a doctor.
Cone, or conical snail
A source: animalreader.ru
A cone snail can reach a length of 50 cm and weigh several kilograms. However, large individuals are not as dangerous as small ones - which can be easily lifted from the bottom. Every third person who took a cone shell in his hand can die from the poisonous bite of this snail. The mollusk instantly plunges into one of the spikes that disturbed him, replacing his teeth, and located in the narrow edge of the shell. The pain from the bite is so strong that a person can lose consciousness. In addition, his limbs become numb, and paralysis of the cardiovascular system and respiratory organs may occur. Death can occur within minutes of being bitten. Dozens of cone-bite deaths are recorded every year. In the Pacific Ocean, up to three people die each year because of this mollusk, while only one is killed due to shark attacks.
Not all cones are dangerous. An anesthetic is made from the poison of some non-dangerous species of these mollusks, to which drug dependence does not occur.
Starfish "crown of thorns"
A source: livejournal.com
Starfish live on the bottom, moving along it with the help of numerous legs. These creatures come in all colors of the rainbow, from red to purple, and can be up to one meter in diameter. The starfish is a predator and orderly of the sea, it feeds on plankton, mollusks and carrion. Some species are able to turn the stomach outward, envelop food with it and digest it in this way.
There are hundreds of species of starfish in the Red Sea, of which only the "crowns of thorns" are dangerous. The spines of this creature are poisonous, but not deadly: if you touch them, you will get severe swelling. The pain is not very strong, but the burn requires a mandatory visit to the doctor.
fire coral
A source: livejournal.com
Fire corals are not real, but pseudo corals. They are branched colonies of polyps - invertebrates 1-2 mm in size. Polyps stand for themselves houses-cells in which they live all their lives. Fire corals grow up to five meters in height, and colonies settle - not far from the coast. Such an organism feeds on plankton, which it hunts by putting its tentacles out and paralyzing the victim with poison from miniature harpoons.
Corals of any kind can cause painful cuts, and "fire corals" are also poisonous. The number of burns by this living organism is more than one and a half thousand a year. The main danger with such an injury is pain shock, due to which a person can choke. In addition, from contact with fire coral, ulcers occur that do not heal for a very long time.
First aid after contact with coral is to treat the wound with lemon juice or vinegar - this should neutralize the poison. Then you need to see a doctor.
Fiery and red-bearded lips
Red Sea fish
The muzzle is rounded or almost wedge-shaped, with small nostrils having triangular flaps in front. The eyes are small. There are short furrows at the corners of the mouth.
Body length up to 18 cm. Common fish in the Red Sea.
Length up to 350 cm, oceanic species rarely approaching reefs. One of the largest species of the gray shark family. It is easily recognizable by its size and rounded dorsal and pectoral fins with white tips. It chases schools of fish and preys on marlin, barracuda, tuna, mackerel and rays. Often accompanied by pilot fish. It is believed that the longfin shark is one of the four most dangerous species to humans.
The largest species of sharks, as well as the largest living representatives of fish. Although, according to some eyewitnesses, they met specimens from 18 to 20 m long, the largest specimen ever measured was 13.7 m long. The weight of whale sharks can reach 12 tons. Despite its impressive size, the whale shark for a person is absolutely it is safe, as it feeds, like a giant shark and a megamouth shark, exclusively on plankton and other small organisms, which it filters by drawing water into itself.
It has a particularly bright color, on a brown body there are pronounced light stripes, which are especially clearly visible in small fish. The length of the zebra shark reaches 3.3 m. Oviparous species. The oblong egg capsules are equipped with horny appendages, with which they are attached to the bottom. The zebra shark feeds on crustaceans and mollusks and is not dangerous to humans.
Length up to 210 cm, found singly or in small flocks on reefs, rest on the bottom during the day, hunt fish at night. Always returns to the same place, often to a cave.
Belongs to the family of gray sharks, up to 300 cm long. They live in open waters near coral reefs, usually deeper than 30 m. They are found singly or in pairs, as well as in small flocks. It feeds on benthic bony fish, rather shy species.
Length up to 180 cm, found near coral reefs. Very curious, often becomes the “prey” of underwater photographers. It feeds on bony fish. Typical threatening behavior.
The usual dimensions are 3.6-4.5 m, and the weight with a length of about 4 m reaches 585 kg. The tiger shark has large, roughly serrated teeth. In young specimens, up to 1.5-1.8 m long, on the back and sides there are dark brown spots on a gray background, merging into oblique or transverse stripes. With age, these spots gradually disappear, remaining longer on the caudal peduncle. This shark is ovoviviparous and very prolific. The female brings 30-50 and even 82 cubs.
Large representatives of the family, they do not exceed 180 cm in length. The upper part of the first dorsal fin and the lower lobe of the caudal fin have black pigmentation. Distributed in the Indian and Pacific Oceans: from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian Islands. Reaches 2 m in length. Maximum weight - 14 kg. Feeds on crustaceans, cephalopods and other molluscs.
The hammerhead shark is white below, brown-gray or olive above. The teeth on the lower and upper jaws are very similar, having a triangular structure and smooth, even edges. Adults of this species can reach a length of 3.7-4m, and can weigh over 400kg. The hammerhead shark feeds on fish - herring, etc., as well as other sharks (including its own species), shrimps, skates, crustaceans and cephalopods. An ancient fish with a creepy monster appearance immediately frightens with its appearance. Long lifespan and far from the most friendly disposition leads to sad statistics, it is in third place in terms of human deaths. She is a real predator, but it is impossible to say that she specifically attacks a person, rather, she confuses him with her usual food. The fact was documented when, during the autopsy of the hammerhead shark, a half-decayed torso, clearly belonging to a person, was in its stomach. If you are diving, and suddenly a strong large torpedo-shaped body flashed near you, do not panic. It is best to stop and stop all movement, if possible - hide in the shadow of rocks or corals.
The largest representative of the family - reaches 4.5 and even 6 m in length.
A large slow shark with pointed fins and a small mouth with fine teeth. The caudal fin is much shorter than half the length of the body. There is no skin fold between the dorsal fins. The pectoral fin is sickle-shaped. The back is brown, the color of the body brightens from the back to the belly. The tips of the fins are noticeably darker. The spatters are much smaller than the eyes. The first dorsal fin is almost above the ventral fins. Occurs near the coast from the intertidal zone up to 70 m. It is common in lagoons, near the outer wall of reefs, and also near sandy beaches. Active during the day, but at night the activity increases. During the day, he prefers to rest in underwater caves, crevices and grottoes. Individuals gather in flocks, in the most convenient caves during the day up to 12 sharks accumulate, which lie motionless one on top of the other. The diet is dominated by bottom fish, mollusks, squid and crustaceans.
Alticus Kirk (Alticus kirkii) eng. Kirk's Blenny
Dimensions 4 - 5 cm Occurs at a depth of 1 - 20 m.
Dimensions 5 - 6 cm Occurs at a depth of 1 - 4 m.
During the day, these fish (usually a couple, they are also called clown fish or Anemon Fish), protect their sea anemones from external encroachments, boldly driving away and even biting too curious divers. One sea anemone usually accounts for no more than two Ampifrions. In case of danger to themselves and at night, when the fish sleep, they hide among the burning tentacles of anemones, to the poison of which they are immune. More precisely, everything is arranged in such a way that the anemone does not sting its clown fish. Separately from anemones, Ampifrions do not live and do not move far from it. Thus, the population size of these fish directly depends on the number of sea anemones. If you saw a clown fish among the coral, then somewhere nearby is its anemone. As soon as you get closer, Ampifrion will immediately swim from his sea anemone and stand in her defense.
The body of these fish is covered with clearly defined hexagonal bone plates, fused into a protective shell. On overcrowded reefs, many small species show an amazing ability to maneuver with the help of mobile fins. The skin is covered with poisonous mucus that scares off predators, but the poison is also released during stress, killing other fish. This pufferfish is found in all habitats from seagrass beds to coral reefs.
It belongs to the triggerfish family, up to 75 cm long. It lives in sandy areas with coral bushes. You should not approach him when he is guarding his nest at the bottom. The fish immediately attacks and bites with its large teeth. Spinohorns feed on benthic invertebrates with hard covers, mollusks and echinoderms.
Length up to 38 cm, there are two antennae on the chin. These red mullets are regularly seen in schools of up to 200 fish. They feed by digging in the bottom, using their strong antennae to search for prey.
Length up to 190 cm, juveniles keep in flocks in mangroves and in shallow waters of coastal reefs. Adult fish have characteristic dark spots on the swept body. These solitary diurnal fish are very curious and often approach divers. If you do not provoke these fish, in clear water they are not dangerous at all, despite the terrible teeth.
Belongs to the wrasse family, up to 21 cm long. Common species, found on steep outer slopes of reefs deeper than 25 m. All wrasses are protogynic hermaphrodites. This means that most males were originally full-fledged females. There are "primary" males who were born males, and there are "secondary" males who started life as females and then were reborn as males.
Belongs to the scorpion family. Length up to 25 cm. Uses the free lower rays of the pectoral fin as "walking legs" and even leaves footprints in the sand. The spines of the dorsal fin are poisonous. Often buried in the sand up to the eyes.
Cataluf family (Priacanthidae). Catalufs have an oval, laterally compressed body, covered with small coarse scales; one dorsal fin, with sharp spines in front. Their cap bones are armed with strong spikes. The eyes are very large, the pelvic fins are webbed to the body and are sometimes very elongated. All catalufs are distinguished by a bright red uniform color, against which some species have dark stripes or spots. They live in the bottom layers of water, usually near coral reefs or rocky coasts, at a depth of 20-50 m or more.
Amikama goby (Callogobius amikami) eng. Amikam's goby
Dimensions 2 - 5 cm Depth 4 - 8 m
Hector's goby (Amblygobius hectori) English Hector's goby
Dimensions 4 - 8 cm Depth 1 - 22 M Laterally compressed body of this goby is dark blue with bright yellow longitudinal stripes. On the second dorsal fin there is a false eye in the form of a black spot with a yellow rim. Sometimes these spots are of several different sizes. Solitary individuals can be found in areas with sandy soil or detrital material at the foot of corals. It is a fast shy fish. In its appearance and behavior, it resembles the juveniles of some wrasses. An omnivorous species, it feeds on both filamentous green algae and benthic invertebrates - amphipods, shrimps, nematodes.
Dimensions 7 - 7 cm Depth 1 - 25 m
Goby - the largest family of marine fish, including more than 200 genera. The lemon goby is a small yellow fish with bright blue stripes up to 10 cm long. It is found exclusively among the branches of the Acropora coral. Common in lagoons, where occasionally lives in colonies. Like all gobies, it secretes a lot of thick sticky mucus, bitter in taste, possibly serving to scare away predators.
Dimensions 2 - 3 cm Depth 3 - 45 M Like other species of the same genus, the Yong goby lives permanently on certain corals. These are whip-shaped corals of the genus Cirrhipathes, which are found both at shallow depths in the lagoon and on the outside of the coral reef. Several gobies can settle on one branch. Their translucent body is covered with wide transverse stripes of red, brown or olive color. Large eyes with a reddish iris. Gobies leave their native branch only for a short time in order to grab prey passing by. Caviar is deposited on the same branch of coral, cleared of polyps, and is guarded by one of the parents. (Author of the Text - Smirnov S.A.)
Dimensions 3 - 4 cm Depth 3 - 30 m
Sizes 4 - 7 cm Depth 0 - 15 M
Dimensions 3 - 5 cm Depth 1 - 16 m
Dimensions 5 - 10 cm Depth 3 - 30 M These medium-sized gobies on the light sides of the body have three longitudinal red stripes with dark edges, the middle one passes through the eye. These stripes are bright on the head and dull on the body. These stripes continue to the caudal fin. Red stripes also run along the base of the dorsal and anal fins, and there is a blue rim on the edges of these fins. The pelvic fins are fused into a disc. This species lives on sandy soils, sometimes in silty areas near coral reefs. It is found throughout the tropical Indian Ocean, including the Red Sea, as well as in the western Pacific. (Author of the Text - Smirnov S.A.)
Dimensions 2 - 4 cm Depth 7 - 27 M Very funny small gobies with an elongated body, usually not exceeding three centimeters in length, which are distinguished by the fact that they hover in a small flock in a weak current above large bushes of branched corals of the Akropora genus. They have a completely transparent body and fins, a yellow peritoneum shines through the walls of the abdominal cavity. Large dark pink eyes. At the slightest sign of danger, a flock of these gobies hides among the branches of corals to hunt for plankton again when everything calms down. The fearfulness of these gentle creatures is quite understandable, since a large number of reef inhabitants are not averse to feasting on them. They are especially annoyed by gobfish and pomacanths, who are busy all day inspecting coral thickets. Most often, soaring gobies can be found in the clear water of lagoons and closed bays with a depth of 5 to 15 meters, where there is a weak current. (Author of the Text - Smirnov S.A.)
Sizes 5 - 7 cm Depth 9 - 18 M
Dimensions 7 - 9 cm Depth 0 - 26 m
Dimensions 10 - 17 cm Depth 1 - 30 M A small variegated goby lives in sandy or muddy areas around reefs. It lives in burrows that it digs under rocks. Sometimes cohabitates with different types of crustaceans. The body is covered with ctenoid scales. The pelvic fins are fused into a disk. The middle rays of the first dorsal fin are elongated. The caudal and anal fins are pale yellow. On a pale olive body there are 7 dark green vertical stripes, between which there are dark vertical lines. Above the base of the pectoral fin and at the base of the caudal fin there are round dark spots. The number and shape of spots on the tail varies from individual to individual. On the head - longitudinal stripes and dots. Males have 3 black dots in the lower part of the second dorsal fin, and large light spots on the cheeks. Secretive territorial fish. The biology of reproduction has not been studied. Apparently, during the spawning season, they leave their shelters. (Author of the Text - Smirnov S.A.)
Dimensions 1 - 2 cm Depth 1 - 10 m
Sizes 4 - 7 cm Depth 1 - 20 M These small gobies come in different colors - from light brown to black. On the sides there is a longitudinal row of dark spots, which correspond to saddle-shaped spots on the back. There are several longitudinal rows of blue large dots on the head and body, which in adult fish continue onto the fins. In dorsal fins all rays are soft. The third dorsal ray is filiformly elongated. Preoperculum with 3-9 short spines, round in section. They usually keep in the lagoon at a shallow depth, preferring a muddy bottom covered with clastic material with a large amount of fouling. They love muddy water, in which they feel safer. They feed on small benthic organisms and plankton. (Author of the Text - Smirnov S.A.)
Dimensions 8 - 12 cm Depth 5 - 15 m
Dimensions 7 - 8 cm Depth 6 - 30 M This small goby, like other members of the genus, lives in burrows dug by Alpheus spp. together with a pair of hosts at a depth of 6 to 30 m. On an almost white body there are 5 wide sloping red-brown stripes with blurry edges. On the head are two thin diagonal stripes of the same color - one goes behind the eye, the second parallel to the first passes through the eye. The dorsal fin is transparent; the anal fin has a dark longitudinal stripe running along the midline of the fin. Found throughout the Indian Ocean, including the Red Sea, and in the western Pacific to the Great Barrier Reef in the south. Can live in symbiosis with at least three species of Alpheus. (Author of the Text - Smirnov S.A.)
Dimensions 5 - 7 cm Depth 5 - 25 m
Magnus' companion goby (Amblyeleotris sungami) eng. Magnus" prawn-goby
Dimensions 6 - 10 cm Depth 4 - 25 M Five vertical orange-brown stripes clearly stand out on the white surface of the body of this goby. There are distinct blue and yellow spots on the back and dorsal fin. The anterior surface of the head may be pale or dark. Known mainly from the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. It is found along the east coast of Africa as far as the Seychelles. Possibly more widely distributed in the Indian Ocean and western Pacific. Lives only in symbiosis with Alpheus crayfish in their burrows, which crayfish dig in sandy areas of the bottom at a depth of 4 to 25 meters. The Latin name of the species is given in honor of the discoverer, Professor Magnus, whose last name is written backwards. Feeds on benthic invertebrates. In turn, together with their owners, they are a desirable prey for many predators, including rays, bottom sharks, octopuses, etc. Observing the relationship between gobies and their owners can be a lot of fun if you show a little patience. (Author of the Text - Smirnov S.A.)
Dimensions 4 - 6 cm Depth 4 - 25 M By the general light gray tone of color and blurry dark spots, this goby is easily confused with the yellow-striped ctenobius. However, upon closer examination, one can see that the pale ctenogiopsy lacks yellow spots and stripes, and the dark blurry spots are closer in shape to oval than to elongated ones. Rare blue dots are scattered between dark spots on the sides of the body and head. This goby can also live in symbiosis with different types of Alpheus crayfish in burrows among coral debris and on a sandy bottom. At the same time, a pair of gobies usually lives in the same hole with cancer. They feed on small benthic invertebrates - amphipods, shrimps, isopods, etc. In turn, they are desirable prey for many stingrays, bottom sharks, and other predatory fish. Some octopuses can get gobies from a hole that is not deep enough, along with their roommate. (Author of the Text - Smirnov S.A.)
Dimensions 5 - 7 cm Depth 5 - 25 M Can live together with several species of click crabs of the genus Alpheus in burrows on the sandy bottom or in crevices among large coral fragments. On a narrow steel-gray body from head to tail there are two rows of blurred elongated dark spots - one along the midline, the second along the back. Small round yellow-orange and blue spots are scattered among them. From the eyes to the base of the first dorsal fin there is a line of elongated yellow and blue spots. The number and size of all these spots vary considerably in different individuals. They feed on small benthic invertebrates. (Author of the Text - Smirnov S.A.)
Dimensions 8 - 13 cm Depth 5 - 23 m
Steinitz's companion goby (Amblyeleotris steinitzi) eng. Steinitz" prawn-goby
Dimensions 5 - 8 cm Depth 2 - 43 M One of several very closely related species of gobies that live with Alpheus click shrimp in their burrows. The general tone of the body surface is almost white. There are five vertical, wide red-brown stripes on the sides. There are thin pale yellow lines in the white areas between the stripes. Small orange dots on transparent dorsal fin. As in other species of the same genus, the anterior part of the body is covered with cycloid scales, while the posterior part is ctenoid, sometimes larger. They are found almost everywhere in the Indian Ocean, including the Red Sea, and in the Indo-West Pacific. They live both in the lagoon and on the outer side of the reef in areas with sandy soil, covered with clastic material. The depth of habitat is from 2 to 40 m. They feed on a variety of small invertebrates that live on the surface of the soil and in the near-bottom water layer. An excellent object for observing the symbiotic relationship between crustaceans and fish. (Author of the Text - Smirnov S.A.)
Lives on a sandy or rocky bottom in symbiosis with the nutcracker. Spends most of the time motionless on the bottom or on coral. They spawn in pairs and groom each other. For the nest, minks, small ledges, empty shells, or any other small hiding places are used. They lay several hundred sticky eggs. The male - or both fish - guard the eggs and the nest.
Wheeler's companion goby (Amblyeleotris wheeleri) eng. Wheeler's shrimp-goby
Sizes 4 - 10 cm Depth 5 - 40 M
Dimensions 1 - 2 cm Depth 0 - 2 m
Dimensions 1 - 3 cm Depth 1 - 15 M Very small fish with a translucent body, living in quiet places among coral debris. On the sides there is a longitudinal row of rectangular brown spots, on the back there is a row of smaller brown or red spots. There are three irregularly shaped reddish spots on the top of the head. The general background coloring under water looks greenish. In these gobies, the ventral fins are divided and do not form suckers. The teeth of the outer row on the upper jaw are enlarged. They feed on plankton. (Author of the Text - Smirnov S.A.)
It is found in places with clear water, up to 80 cm long. This fish is easily recognizable by its crescent-shaped caudal fin. They live mostly alone, guarding their territory. They feed on a variety of fish, cephalopods and crustaceans.
Reaches 3 m in length and 225 kg in weight. Its main food is benthic invertebrates. Reproduction occurs by ovoviviparity.
Guitarist Halavi (Rhinobatos halavi) eng. Halavi's guitarfish
Dimensions 60 - 100 cm, found at a depth of 0 - 40 m. In terms of body shape, they occupy, as it were, an intermediate position between typical sharks and rays. Their body is flattened, but its tail part is almost not separated outwardly from the body. The snout is elongated, the pectoral fins in the back are not attached to the body, and the first dorsal fin is located above the pelvic fins. All of them have a two-lobed caudal fin with pointed ends, very similar to the tail fin of sharks.
Dimensions 50 - 80 cm Depth 5 - 100 M A very peculiar stingray with a very thick oval disk up to one meter wide. The tail spike is absent. The upper side of the light gray or off-white color is covered with many flat plaques, between which sharp conical spines and small teeth grow in adult fish. Whip-shaped tail of dark color without blade. The species is quite rare, found on sandy and rocky bottoms. Fertilization is internal. (Author of the Text - Smirnov S.A.)
It has dimensions of 20 - 30 cm, found at a depth of 5 - 100 m.
Common view of coral reefs and rocky bottom. Feeds on fish and crustaceans.
The most numerous cleaner fish. The cleaner wrasse announces its profession by "swimming-dance" with specific up and down motions.
It has a size of 20 - 30 cm, occurs at a depth of 0 - 50 m. They breed near the coast, juveniles often keep in heavily desalinated areas.
It got its name, probably, because of its unexpected metamorphosis: inconspicuous and ugly in lazy rest, it transforms "in flight", straightening, like a Mephistopheles' black and scarlet mantle, its brightly decorated wings, bristling horns and spikes!
The body length of an adult is up to 40 cm.
Belonging to the bristletooth family, this is a large family of brightly colored fish, including about 120 species. Length up to 20 cm, schooling fish active during the day, feeding on zooplankton. Sometimes they swim in pairs, then they are very territorial. The center of the territory is a table coral, both fish move to the borders of their territory, and threaten the neighbors of the same species, but let other butterfly fish pass.
A rare species, 40 - 50 cm long, found at a depth of 2 - 37 m.
When this flounder lies on a sandy shallow water, it is difficult to notice it. When you're scared, it's hard to catch up.
Dimensions 26 - 35 cm, found at depths of 0 - 20 m. Schooling fish. Mullets are herbivorous and feed on fouling, as well as detritus, i.e. organic sediments. If possible, they do not refuse to eat fish eggs, larvae and soft invertebrates. Like all herbivorous fish, mullets have a long intestine, 4-6 times the length of the body. When frightened, they are able to jump out of the water, on which several methods of catching them are based.
Bottom view. occurs at depths in the range of 37 - 215 m. The maximum length is 30.0 cm. The fins are colored darker, the tail has a black end. The head is dark. A rare species, listed in the Red Book.
Found at depths up to 80 meters. Length up to 1.3 m.
Dimensions 8 - 13 cm Depth 5 - 25 M The main background of the body of this goby is brownish-gray. On the head are small blue spots interspersed with red. There are 8-9 narrow transverse light stripes on the body. The first dorsal fin lacks markedly elongated rays. Both dorsal fins have round black spots. On the lower edge of the operculum there is a spike pointing down. The body is covered with cycloid scales. On the back of the head, the scale cover reaches the middle of the head. Prefers sandy areas in the middle or near thickets of aquatic plants. Lives in burrows with click crabs of the genus Alpheus. In the Red Sea, this is most often A. djiboutensis. It feeds on small benthic invertebrates - amphipods, isopods, etc. The joint life of a bull and cancer is very interesting, so the time spent in observing their behavior will not be wasted. (Author of the Text - Smirnov S.A.)
Cryptocentrus Luther (Cryptocentrus lutheri) English Luther's prawn-goby
Dimensions 7 - 11 cm Depth 10 - 28 M This goby is very similar to the eight-striped cryptocentrus, differing from it in the absence of a spike on the gill cover and in that the scale cover on the back of the head reaches eye level. It lives in burrows with several types of click crabs of the genus Alpheus, which it warns of danger, having sharper eyesight. It feeds on benthic invertebrates - amphipods, shrimps, isopods, etc. In turn, despite a good reaction and a nearby hole, it often becomes prey for stingrays, bottom sharks, flounders and other predators. (Author of the Text - Smirnov S.A.)
Belongs to the scorpion family. She has a warning red and white coloration and very long poisonous needles. Their injections cause severe pain, and can lead to paralysis. Usually found above a hard bottom at great depths. They hunt at night, using their wide pectoral fins to drive fish.
Body length up to 24 cm. Feeds mainly on small crustaceans. The spines of the fins are poisonous.
Length up to 13 cm, lives mainly at great depths on the outer slopes of reefs. It is mostly found below 30 meters, but in some areas at 5 meters, where black corals grow, which this fish uses as an observation point. This species feeds on small crustaceans.
The body of the bodyfish is covered with a rigid shell, consisting of fused hexagonal bone plates and having openings for moving parts - eyes, mouth, gills, fins and caudal peduncle. Despite the apparent clumsiness and phlegm, they can be very mobile and maneuverable.
Dimensions 150 - 350 cm Depth 5 - 300 M A distinctive feature of fox sharks is a long caudal fin, which is up to half of the total body length. The second dorsal and anal fins are very small. The pelagic thresher differs from other thresher species in having a very narrow caudal fin tip, oblique teeth with prominent lateral serrations, and the first dorsal fin ending prominently anterior to the base of the ventral fins. The back and sides are dark, gray-blue in color, the belly is white. Found in all tropical seas. An inhabitant of the water column of the open ocean, but loves to rise to the surface. Regularly comes to the coast, can enter the lagoons of the atolls. These fish use their long tail to stun prey, or to knock it into a tight school. The main food is schooling fish and squid. Thresher sharks are ovoviviparous; their embryos begin to feed on unfertilized eggs while still in the womb. There are usually two cubs in a litter. There were no cases of attacks on people. (Author of the Text - Smirnov S.A.)
It can reach 3.5-4 m in length with a weight of about 450 kg. It is considered the fastest of all existing sharks. Mako can jump over the surface of the sea. Its food consists of cephalopods and various fish, sometimes very large. In the stomachs of two individuals weighing 300 and 360 kg, eaten swordfish weighing 54 and 67 kg were found.
The largest stingray, up to 670 cm long, lives in the open sea, but is also observed near reefs, where it pursues plankton and small fish. Manta fish is a filter feeder. The prey is guided into the huge mouth by the head fins. Manta rays often feed near the surface, collecting plankton. At the same time, she sometimes jumps out of the water. More common in the south of the Red Sea.
Dimensions 100 - 200 cm (adults usually reach a strength of 150 cm), found at a depth of 0 - 100 m. This representative of the manta family is the closest relative of the famous manta. A medium-sized stingray with a compact head and short head fins. The pectoral fins are strongly pointed and curved backwards. The whip-like tail is short, without a spike, at its base there is a small dorsal fin with a white top. Small plaques without spines are scattered on top of the disc. The color is dark blue to black above, the underside is white. Pectoral fins with silver tips. It occurs singly or in small groups in the upper layers of water in the open sea, but more often near the coasts. It feeds on planktonic crustaceans. Fertilization is internal, the eggs develop in the womb until the birth of the formed cubs, which are somehow embarrassing to call "fry" because of their solid size. They can jump out of the water like manta rays.
Medium moray eel, body length 45 - 90 cm, found at a depth of 0 - 30 m.
Moray eels of medium size (body length up to 150 cm) with a slender body and elongated thin jaws. The main color background is yellowish or greenish-brown. The pattern consists of large, closely spaced, irregularly shaped black or dark brown spots, larger on the sides of the body, and smaller on the dorsal fin. The top of the head and the ends of the jaws are often bright yellow. Most often found on rocky and rocky areas, among boulders, on reef plateaus, lives both in closed lagoons and along the outer walls of coral reefs facing the sea. Leads a nocturnal lifestyle. It feeds on fish, cephalopods and various crustaceans.
Moray eels have a powerful serpentine body with a long tail compressed from the sides. Their constantly opening toothy mouth looks very menacing. Many moray eels are hermaphrodites; most of them first mature as males and subsequently change sex.
Moray eels of medium size, body length 30 - 80 cm, found at a depth of up to 30 m.
large teeth. This very active fish hunts at night, eating small reef fish of many species. It is yellowish-brown in color and dotted with small dark brown spots. The back of the long dorsal and caudal fins has a yellow-green border. The length is about 120 cm, but grows to a length of 240 cm. This moray eel is rarely seen in its entirety, usually it hides in burrows.
Large moray eel, body length 70 - 180 cm, found at a depth of 1 - 170 m.
Moray eels of medium size (body length up to 150 cm). The body is high, noticeably flattened laterally. The muzzle is rounded, with a sloping forehead and short powerful jaws. Close-set teeth with blunt apices and broad bases are adapted for crushing the hard shells of invertebrates. It is found on coral reefs, both in closed lagoons and on slopes facing the sea. Leads a secretive solitary life. It feeds mainly on small crabs of the Xanthidae family, but also on other crustaceans, molluscs, and sea urchins.
Small moray. body length 50 - 90 cm, found at a depth of 0 - 30 m. Adult moray eels lead a benthic lifestyle, usually in shallow waters near rocks or coral reefs. Most species are active at night and hide in crevices and cavities during the day. They feed mainly on crustaceans, cephalopods and small fish.
It occurs at depths up to 40 m. A small moray eel, grows up to 65 cm.
A large moray eel, up to 140 cm long, has a massive physique. The body is high, muscular. The head is large with short jaws. The painted moray eel does not have flattened teeth on the jaws and movable long fangs on the vomer. All teeth are more or less the same, conical in shape. Juveniles are yellowish with ring-shaped dark spots. In adults, the pattern is blurred, turning into a uniform mottled pattern on a grayish or creamy background. Iris with four dark spots. Inhabits shallow areas on coral reefs and rocky biotopes in the coastal zone. Feeds on small fish and crustaceans. It often pursues its prey on land, moving like a snake along the littoral at low tide.
Lives in the bottom layer of water, one might say at the bottom. During the day, moray eels sit in crevices of rocks or corals, sticking their heads out and usually moving them from side to side, looking out for passing prey, at night they get out of shelters to hunt. Usually moray eels feed on fish, but they attack both crustaceans and octopuses, which are caught from ambush.
Medium or large moray eel, body length 150 cm. Occurs at a depth of 15 - 50 m.
Small or medium moray eel, body length 50 - 120 cm, found at a depth of 2 - 5 m. Nocturnal predator, feeds on eels.
A large, massive moray eel (reaches a length of 300 cm), one of the largest eel species of the Indo-Pacific. It features an attractive contrasting color of black spots on a white background. Juveniles have larger, rarely spaced spots. With age, the spots decrease in size, their number increases and they are located more densely, forming a pattern somewhat reminiscent of a honeycomb. Some fish become almost entirely black. The pattern of different individuals varies greatly: moray eels living on reefs with clear water are lighter than those that live in areas with muddy water. Inhabits shallow areas and outer walls of coastal coral reefs facing the sea.
It has a length of no more than a meter, it is not dangerous for humans. The body of the echidna is similar to that of an eel, with a rounded snout and strong jaws capable of inflicting severe bites. She has no pectoral and ventral fins, and she swims, curving in waves, like a snake crawling along the ground. The dorsal fin starts in front of the gill opening and runs along the entire body. The coloration is recognizable, with characteristic white and black spots and patterns. Inhabits rocky areas and reef plateaus overgrown with corals, inhabits both shallow lagoons and outer slopes of reefs, keeps in the bottom layers at a depth of up to 10 meters. The basis of the diet is made up of various crustaceans. Unlike most other moray eels, the echidna star moray practically does not feed on fish.
Length up to 350 cm, easily recognizable by white spots on a dark brown back. It lives both near reefs, and near those far from the coast above the sandy bottom and pebbles. Found singly or in small flocks. Brackets collect bivalve mollusks from the bottom or dig them up with their "duck" nose.
Found in many parts of the region. This rather small species is associated with coral reefs. The body is yellowish in color, dotted with small brown spots. Moray eels hunt small fish at night. All prey is swallowed whole, since the teeth cannot cut it into pieces, but are only suitable for holding. This moray eel is a synchronous hermaphrodite, i.e. Each individual is both male and female at the same time.
Common flathead, also known as crocodile fish. Length up to 100 cm, lives on a sandy-pebble bottom, and in islets of sea grass. Hiding in the sand.
Has poisonous spines.
Body length up to 40 cm. Feeds near the water surface on zooplankton and small fish.
The most common of the fabulous perches, up to 15 cm long. It lives in huge flocks on the slopes of reefs. They feed on plankton.
Pseudanthias squamipinnis
Body length up to 30 cm. It feeds mainly on crabs, worms, and echinoderms. Found only in the Red Sea.
Belongs to the family of shark-tailed rays. Length about 240 cm, caudal fin with lower lobe. It lives on the sandy bottom near reefs, swims away from the bottom. Shark-tailed rays have flat, powerful, crushing teeth designed to gnaw through the shells of crabs, clams, and sea urchins.
Dimensions 20 - 40 cm Occurs at a depth of 3 - 30 m
It has an almost black body, decorated with white and blue concentric stripes that form circles on the tail of the body. In adults of this species, which, without a doubt, belong to the number of the most beautiful fish, on the body there are about 25 thin yellow-orange stripes passing at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the fish on a bright purple background. Their head is emerald green above and red-brown below, and their eyes are outlined in yellow and blue lines.
It feeds on coral polyps. Sometimes it even eats the tentacles of sea anemones. Endemic to the Red Sea.
Length up to 420 cm, found singly and in large migratory flocks. It has many electrically sensitive pores on its head; the hammerhead shark is able to recognize the electrical potentials of the muscle activity of fish that have dug into the bottom. When the prey is detected, the head helps to make a difficult turn at considerable speed and catch the escaping stingray. Not aggressive.
Belongs to the wrasse family. Length up to 230 cm, adult fish are found along the outer slopes of reefs, walls and sometimes in reef lagoons. They are easily recognizable by their humpbacked forehead and large size. The Napoleon fish is the largest and heaviest (up to 190 kg) of all wrasses. It feeds mainly on mollusks, which it gnaws with its teeth. This giant wrasse willingly takes chicken eggs and other food that people bring him.
This is the largest species of soldier fish, up to 45 cm long. The dinar spike in front of the gill cover is poisonous. Its meat can be toxic, and eating such fish can be deadly. These fish are active at night, hiding under reef ledges during the day.
Belongs to the surgical family. Up to 40 cm long, this species occurs in loose flocks above the sandy bottom of lagoons and seaward reefs. This fish has a double stomach. The caudal fin is crescent shaped with a black stripe running from the spine on the caudal peduncle to the head. The black-striped surgeon feeds on zooplankton.
Belongs to the whistle family. Also known as the flute fish. Length about 150 cm, lives singly or in groups over sandy slopes or coral reefs. It feeds on fish and shrimp.
They grow from 30 to 80 cm in length. They feed on smaller fish and invertebrates. They, in turn, feed on larger fish. Stuns its prey with an electric shock. They reproduce by ovoviviparity, i.e. the embryos develop in the eggs in the mother's body and are hatched there.
A very large slope, the width of the disk reaches 2 meters. The back is light or dark brown, covered with white or yellow lines, forming a mesh or marbled pattern. The belly is white. Disc glabrous, with one central row of small flat plaques. The tail is three times as long as the body. On the tail, dark and light rings alternate. There is one small spike at the base of the tail. Marble stingray is often found on sandy beaches, in lagoons, among corals and in estuaries. Enters fresh water. It feeds on bivalves, crabs, shrimps, worms, jellyfish and fish.
Maximum size: 71 cm, maximum disc width in diameter 30 cm. In addition to hunting, when stingrays dig small crustaceans, mollusks and worms out of the sand, they like to lie on the sandy bottom under overhanging corals, lightly sprinkling themselves with sand. Having found a steep sandy slope, stingrays love to dig them up, causing miniature avalanches of sand to come down, exposing invertebrates hiding in the ground. Another method of stingray hunting is to flatten like a pancake on the sand and sharply raise the central mouth part. The resulting vacuum under his body sucks all kinds of living creatures out of the sand.
The size is 1.5 meters in diameter. Often they can be seen lying on the ocean floor, covered with a layer of sand.
It lives on coral reefs, where it lies motionless during the day, relying on its protective coloration and poisonous needles. At night, it moves to more open places, and hunt fish from an ambush. It attacks them with a quick throw and swallows them whole. Often found in pairs.
Belongs to the grouse family. Sweetlips are reef dwellers, during the day they hide in flocks under ledges of corals, and at night they swim over the sandy and rocky bottom and feed on benthic invertebrates. Most swim close to the bottom, waving their tails vigorously.
Dimensions 7 - 8 cm, found at a depth of 2 - 68 m. Salts live by rummaging in the ground and looking for food mainly by smell, feeding on inactive bottom organisms - polychaetes, small mollusks, small crustaceans. Most species are modestly colored, usually in sandy-coffee tones, but there are also very brightly colored striped species. Many salts are of great commercial importance, their meat is tender and tasty.
Known as the "blue-eyed stingray", up to 100 cm long. It lives on reefs, often under corals, hides in the sand, feeds on worms, shrimps, hermit crabs. The pinch on the tail is venomous.
The tail is half the length of the body. Numerous whiskers on the lower part of the jaw. The body is covered with many small folds. Found in mud near coral reef area, at depths of 1-10 meters, but most live deeper, at depths of 38 meters. Usually the eel's body is hidden in the sand, only the head is exposed. Eats small fish and crustaceans. A very rare fish, included in the Red Book, is under protection.
It grows to a size of 97 cm in length, but the usual size is 30 - 50 cm. It occurs at a depth of 5 - 25 m.
It has a light cream body with dark spots that change their location as the eel grows. Young individuals (up to 25 cm long) have a number of spots along the sides. Eels 30 - 50 cm long have spots on the back and sides. Fish over 50 cm long have 2-3 rows of spots on the sides of the body and small spots below. The maximum size of the species is 1 meter.
A common inhabitant of sandy areas on reef shallows, lagoons. This fish is often mistaken for a sea snake, but eels are distinguished by their lack of scales and a pointed tail (sea snakes have a rounded one).
He likes rocky shores or finds at least a rocky bottom on flat shores and hides here in the recesses and crevices of stones, although he is excellent at hiding and burrowing in the sand. This is an unusually gluttonous animal, which, due to its predatory inclinations, does not spare even the weaker representatives of its kind. The strength of his jaws is so great that he easily crushes shells. Often this predator finds lobster tops and seizes the crayfish that have fallen into them, but for his greed he often pays with freedom and life.
It has dimensions of 20 - 50 cm, found at a depth of 5 - 25 m.
Dimensions 100 - 180 cm Depth 1 - 60 M The width of the disk of this stinger is slightly greater than its length. The eyes are small and set very wide apart. Rostrum and fins pointed. The length of the tail is twice the length of the disc. The tail itself, flattened at the base, becomes cylindrical towards the middle of its length. One or two long spines are further from the base of the tail than in other stingrays. A fin fold runs along the tail, not reaching its end. The upper side of the disc is unmarked, gray, brown or black, the underside is white. The tail fold is black. With a maximum disc width of 1.8m, the total length is about 3m. It is found in coastal areas, on muddy or sandy soils, as well as in mangroves. Often visits estuaries, can go far into fresh water. It feeds on fish, worms, shrimps and crabs. Fertilization is internal. The width of the disk of newborn cubs is 18-20 cm. The tail spike is very dangerous, since it is located far from the base of the tail. (Author of the Text - Smirnov S.A.)
Dimensions 100 - 200 cm Depth 10 - 50 M Very large slope. The dorsal side is light to dark brown, covered with white or yellow lines, forming a mesh or marbled pattern. The ventral surface is white. On the tail, dark and light rings alternate. Diamond-shaped disk with a sharp rostrum and rounded fins. The tail is whip-shaped, three times longer than the body. There is one small spike at the base of the tail. Disc glabrous, with one central row of small flat plaques. Marble stingray is often found on sandy beaches, in lagoons, among corals and in estuaries. Enters fresh water. The species is ovoviviparous, the female bears fertilized eggs until the birth of offspring. (Author of the Text - Smirnov S.A.)
Medium-sized slope with a short wide triangular snout. The maximum length is up to 70 cm, the disc diameter is up to 50 cm. There are no spines on the upper side of the body. It feeds mainly on crabs, shrimp and other crustaceans. A prick of a thorn, especially of large specimens, can be very painful.
Dimensions 200 - 200 cm, found at a depth of 0 - 50 m. Usually stingrays lie on a sandy or muddy bottom, partially burrowing into the ground and becoming invisible from the outside. When disturbed, they swim rather quickly, waving their pectoral fins. Stingrays feed mainly on worms, mollusks and crustaceans.
Dimensions 10 - 25 cm, found at a depth of 1 - 50 m. Stingrays got their name because the tail is armed with one or more sharp dagger-shaped needles. The length of the needle in large rays can reach 37 cm. It is attached with its base directly to the skin in the middle part of the tail and lies on its surface back with a tip. A groove runs along the bottom of the needle, at the bottom of which cells are located that secrete a poisonous secret. By itself, the tail needle is motionless, but, bending the tail with a whip-like movement, the stingray can inflict powerful blows with it. In large fish, the impact force is such that the needle enters deeply into the human body through shoes or clothing. The poison, penetrating into the wound, causes sharp pains, a drop in blood pressure, tachycardia, vomiting, and paralysis. Fatal cases are known.
Belongs to a large dog family. It lives mainly on the bottom, feeds on zooplankton or attacks other fish. Most blennys are territorial and live in small holes in rocks, or in empty tubes of worms or shells. The swim bladder of the dogfish is underdeveloped, therefore, in order to stay in the water column, the dog must swim continuously.
Lizardhead is a fitting name for these fish, which have a reptile-like head. Length up to 25 cm, the most common of the lizardheads living on reefs. Found from coasts to distant reefs. Alone or in pairs, lizardheads lie motionless on hard ground. They catch fish, shrimp or squid, making a lightning short throw.
Modern people do not believe in fairy tales! Childhood, when magical characters, unusual heroes, fantastic events, are behind. Vanity, problems, passions live in our world, that is, ordinary reality. Where to earn money, how to spend it, where to go are the main issues of our time. But the fairy tale exists, and for Russians who have visited Egypt (lovers of exceptionally comfortable living do not count), this is not a secret!
flickr.com/vgm8383
The fairy tale of the Red Sea is amazing inhabitants, fantastic outfits, an unusual fate of each inhabitant. The underwater world has its own mode of being. There is no rush here. Loud sounds, blinding lights - all this remains on the surface.
For fabulous paintings, tourists do not have to go far. Even walking along the edge of the beach, you can see colorful fish in the water. But if you stand on a pontoon or, wearing a mask and flippers (), freeze on the surface, then the picture will become much more beautiful. There are so many living creatures that it becomes insulting: “We don’t know anything about them!”. Our story is a short sketch about some representatives of the Red Sea depths.
flickr.com/whereiskelseynow
The coral reef is a whole universe inhabited by myriads of animals. About 4,000 mollusks, 2,000 fish, 350 species of echinoderms hide in calcareous colonies. Many reefs are the same age as dinosaurs! Some coral beds are 2 billion years old.
Amazing close!
Coral labyrinths for marine inhabitants are a home and an elite restaurant. Hundreds of fish swim near the shore, not at all embarrassed by bathers. Even children, always squealing and laughing, will not distract them from everyday worries. Nature generously decorated the scales of fish, and people gave them funny names.
flickr.com/mcdemoura
Fish from the cartoon "Finding Nemo"
The creators of the popular cartoon glorified two small Red Sea fish: a clown and a surgeon. Clownfish is a fun name for an orange fish with two white stripes around it. The fish surgeon with a flat blue body became the prototype of the forgetful little Dory.
flickr.com/deviation
Fish - butterfly
A flat oval fish with black stripes arranged symmetrically on yellow scales. Sad in loneliness? It's not about the butterfly. She is always surrounded by the same striped yellow girlfriends. If an enemy appears nearby, the fish changes color, becomes darker with anger and boldly attacks the enemy.
flickr.com/giggigiggi
Napoleon
A large, serious inhabitant of the deep sea. It got its name because of the similarity of its superciliary protrusion with the headdress of the French emperor. The impressive size and serious appearance of Napoleon did not spoil his good disposition. He is curious and often swims up to the hotel pontoons, causing the delight of tourists. Meeting scuba divers at depth, he swims side by side for a long time, not at all frightened.
flickr.com/thomashahusseau
Sea urchin
He does not look like a cute character in children's fairy tales. Sharp, long needles of a small creature look intimidating. Prickly and formidable, he will instantly plunge the entire arsenal of his spears into the offender. The hedgehog has to build a prickly monster out of himself - he has too many enemies. Predators love to feast on its tender meat. The sea urchin moves on thin tentacles filled with liquid. On such strange legs you cannot run far from the enemy. Needles are the only salvation.
If you want to get to know the fauna of the Red Sea better, the best option is. There you will be taken to the coral reefs, everyone can go scuba diving and touch the beauty in the truest sense of the word. In addition, in the reserve you will find magnificent sandy beaches and the cleanest sea.
A spectacle available only to divers
Not all marine inhabitants love the proximity of the coast and people. The most mysterious characters can only be seen by diving 5-10 meters. Lovers of the underwater world will open new pages.
moray eel
One appearance of the fish - a long rough body with a crocodile's mouth - causes a shudder, fear, a desire to run away. But this is a misleading impression. The moray eel, so similar to a snake, is only terrible in appearance and is a relative of the common eel. The unattractive moray eel is endowed with the grace and plasticity of a ballerina. During the day, she hides from bloodthirsty neighbors in coral caves, exposing her muzzle. The moray eel opens its mouth wide, gasping for air, and this frightens everyone who has not seen the “beauty” before.
flickr.com/ [email protected]
Octopus
"Many-armed Hercules" is one of the nicknames for the octopus. The creature is peaceful, calm and friendly. This huge mollusk highly appreciates its own dwelling. He builds it with his own eight legs. Build a house, climb into it and sleep. Seven legs sleep, and the eighth, swaying from side to side, guards, scaring off others. Octopus is an emotional animal. He expresses even the simplest feelings brightly, expressively, changing the color of the body, changing the shape and disguising itself as surrounding objects.
flickr.com/tribulationsdemao
Sea turtle
An underwater reptile that has nothing to do with the slowness of its land relative. On land, the tortilla is clumsy, but at sea it develops speed and exceptional navigational abilities. Meeting with her is a great and rare success!
flickr.com/myfwc
But bloodthirsty predators are not the only horror story of the Egyptian holiday. Poisonous fish, stinging jellyfish, electric stingrays frighten vacationers no less. How dangerous is the wildlife of the Red Sea?
flickr.com/worldmonation
In fact, many "dangerous animals" are quite peaceful and kind. If you do not touch them, they will not rage and bite. "Survive!" - the main task of the inhabitants of the underwater world. “If you don’t get eaten, you can live a long time!” - guided by this motto, some creatures burrow into the sand, others accumulate an electric charge in themselves in case of an attack, still others always keep a drop of poison in reserve. We will talk about those cautious creatures that scare tourists when they meet.
Lionfish
Bright, beautiful, real underwater model. Slowly and unhurriedly, enjoying her own perfection, she soars over the reefs, exclaiming with all her appearance: “Look at me! Admire! Envy! Her fins look like peacock feathers - juicy, colorful. The external beauty of the lionfish is a terrible force. Luxurious fins - burning and razor-sharp - poisoned by the poison of her beauty. The sting of the lionfish is very painful. The merciless lionfish searches for a victim for a long time and carefully, hypnotizing, enveloping, captivating. A swift jerk ends the life of a gaping roach. Salvation is impossible here: missing the prey is not in the rules of the lionfish.
flickr.com/walterpro
Warty - "stone fish"
Its formidable body, completely dotted with warty outgrowths, is hardly distinguishable in the coral thickets. She is a master of underwater camouflage. Choosing special places for disguise, the wart freezes, merging into one with the surrounding objects. Nature has not endowed the stone fish with beauty and plasticity, her whole life is a silent revenge for their absence. Her body is a dozen prickly thorns saturated with poison. Stepping on it is deadly! The spikes are strong and will pierce even rubber slippers for swimming.
flickr.com/vickispix
Stingray
Stingrays are considered dangerous animals. Some for their menacing appearance, others for their ability to poison or inject a person. But there was no case that any of the stingrays attacked a person. The stingray is a peaceful, even timid inhabitant of the underwater space. It looks like a living kite that floats in the air. "Landing", he burrows into the sand in search of prey. All the power of the stingray is in its tail. One blow, and sharp needle-thorns pierce the body of the enemy, and poison flows down them, into the wound made by the point. The power of poison is legendary. In ancient times, they smeared arrows with it, soaked the clothes of enemies. The Mayan tribe used it as a pain reliever.
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Fish delicacies
There are so many fish in the Red Sea that trying to eat at least one is a great temptation. IN hotel restaurants the fish menu is usually poor. But fish restaurants (for example, on the Promenade in Naama Bay, on the Old Market) are simply amazing. Shrimp, squid, octopus, crabs - all this stirs and flutters in large trays. The client chooses the delicacy he likes, waits (and sometimes personally observes the preparation) of a delicious dish.
sea fishing
People explore the underwater world in different ways. Some admire him, looking through the glass of a simple mask. Others boldly sink to the bottom with scuba gear. Others taste it. Some people enjoy fishing.
For those who wish, local firms organize a tour from Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh "Sea fishing". The excursion program combines a walk on a yacht with fishing. During the day, the boat will make three stops, and the fishermen will be given simple equipment: a plastic circle with a hook and a sinker on a fishing line. For dinner, the yacht's cook will cook the fish you caught.
flickr.com/canolais
The catch, even for novice fishermen, is usually rich. The hook comes across a fish of all colors and sizes: lizardhead (the most voracious, and therefore forgetful of danger), red-striped grouper (spotted skin), thalassomas, heilins, goatfish. Do not count everyone!
“Three times I rested in Hurghada and always bought a trip on a yacht with fishing. The price is 50 dollars. You can just swim, and then catch colorful fish on pieces of squid. The idea is simple, but there is a lot of pleasure from it!
Conclusion
Outlandish fish fluttering in the water of the Red Sea surprise and fascinate. They want to be touched. But many of them are dangerous: their bodies exude poison, their beauty is deadly. It happens!
Nov 22, 2015 Kate
The Red Sea enchants with its beauty and is the “most” in many respects - it is the most salty sea in the world, the most closed (not a single river flows into it), the richest in terms of underwater fauna, and of course, the closest tropical sea for a Russian person. But it is fraught with a considerable threat, and this threat is the dangerous fish of the Red Sea.
There are creatures here, a meeting with which can turn into serious health troubles. In the article, we consider the most dangerous inhabitants of the Red Sea.
sharks
Sharks are the largest predatory fish in the Red Sea. About 30 species of sharks live here, of which only two are dangerous to humans - tiger and long-winged. In any case, you should not be too afraid of sharks - they swim far in the open sea and very rarely swim up to the shores.
stingrays
There are two types of rays in the Red Sea - electric and stingray. The first can strike a person with an electrical discharge, which in some cases can lead to cardiac arrest or paralysis. The second has a spike with a strong poison at the end of the tail. A stingray sting is very painful, and the wound will take a long time to heal. In general, these fish are not aggressive and will not attack a person without a reason, but after meeting with them, one cannot do without the help of doctors.
sea urchins
Sea urchins are spherical fish studded with huge sharp needles. Surely many have seen these inhabitants of the sea in the photo in books about wildlife. On sandy beaches, sea urchins are almost never found, but on reef beaches you may well meet them. Keep this in mind if you travel to Sharm El Sheikh.
Sea urchins are dangerous primarily because their needles are very sharp and can cause serious injury. Secondly, they are poisonous. Immediately after the injection of this fish, a person feels unbearable pain, the limb becomes paralyzed and it swells greatly. It will be impossible to walk for another three days, and then the leg will hurt for a long time.
sea snakes
These are one of the most dangerous inhabitants of the Red Sea - the poison of these fish is many times greater than that of the cobra. However, sea snake toxins are absorbed into the blood very slowly, so if a person had the misfortune to encounter it, he has enough time to get out of the water and urgently seek medical attention.
Lionfish (zebra fish)
An extremely poisonous predatory fish that lives in the Red Sea off the coast of the city of Hurghada. Many have seen this stunningly beautiful creature in photos and videos. It looks like a kind of striped fan of feathers, the stripes are red, beige, black and white. It is significant that even other marine inhabitants keep their distance from her - they are so afraid of her. In her magnificent fins are hidden poisonous needles, the pain from the injection of which can be so strong that a person can lose consciousness. In some cases, paralysis of the respiratory muscles may occur. There are convulsions, the work of the heart is disturbed. It is believed that the poison of this dangerous fish is destroyed by high temperature, so the injection site should be immediately poured with very hot water. This is extremely unpleasant, but it can save your life. Seeing a doctor is also a must.
stone fish
This fish is even worse than the lionfish. It burrows into the seabed and becomes like a stone, which is why it got its name. At the base of the dorsal fin, she has glands that secrete the strongest poison. A person immediately feels excruciating pain, may lose consciousness. There is a risk of vascular collapse and cardiac arrest. If you are lucky enough to step on a stone fish, the treatment can last several months.
Sea stars and cones
Starfish are invertebrates ranging in size from 1 cm to 1 m. Coloring is different, and there are poisonous spikes on the rays. Her injections do not cause such fatal consequences as the injections of the previous two creatures, but pain, burning and swelling in the limb are provided to you. It is for this reason that you should not try to take a starfish in your hands.
Cones are one of the most dangerous creatures on the planet. In the sharp part of its shell is a thorn with a strong poison that causes paralysis, anaphylactic shock, and respiratory arrest. The cone, as a rule, hides in the sand, and you can step on it during a strong low tide, when the seabed is exposed. Every third meeting of a person with this creature ends in death. Look at the photo to see what it looks like.
The Red Sea, of course, is rich in dangerous inhabitants, but if meetings with them happened often, no one would go to rest in the resorts of Egypt.
The ancient sea for millions of years of existence is filled with underwater inhabitants in huge numbers. One and a half thousand fish have been studied and described by man, but this is less than half of the inhabitants of the mysterious water area.
Not a single river flows into the warm sea. This factor contributes to the preservation of the purest water and the development of a special living world. Red Sea fish are unique. Many species are not found in other water bodies.
Popular and safe fish
A visit by tourists to popular resorts is not complete without scuba diving and sea fishing. Famous representatives of the water depths will leave a vivid impression:
parrot fish
The name corresponds to the bright appearance: multi-colored coloring and a growth on the forehead like a bird's beak. Blue-green, yellow, orange-red in color, large (up to 50 cm long) fish are safe.
Napoleon fish
The outgrowth on the head, similar to the cocked hat of the emperor, gave the name to the species. The impressive size of the Maori wrasse (up to 2 meters long) is combined with good nature and gullibility of character. The fish is so sociable that it swims up to the drivers to get to know them better.
The Napoleon fish is often referred to as sloth
Antais
A schooling fish of a very small size (7-15 cm). The inhabitants of coral reefs have bright colors of orange, green, red hues. Up to 500 fish can gather in a flock.
Biband amphiprion
Bright unusual coloring with stripes in a black stroke on an orange background attracts photographers. Fish live in pairs in sea anemones, they are not at all afraid of scuba divers.
The tentacles of anemones, poisonous to others, do not harm the settlers covered with protective slime, as if protecting them. Sometimes called amphiprions. Near their shelter, they behave bravely.
Clownfish seeks protection in sea anemones, which are poisonous to other aquatic life
Butterfly fish
It is easy to recognize a beauty by a high, strongly flattened oval body with a long dorsal fin, bright black and yellow color. Due to their diurnal lifestyle at shallow depths, they have been well studied by masked divers.
They live in small flocks, in pairs. There are color options of blue-orange, black-silver, red-yellow.
Black Speckled Grunt
For wide lips, he is nicknamed the sweet lip. Names of fish in the Red Sea often speaking, so the color of the fish and the gnashing when biting through corals determined the name of the inhabitant.
Letrina
Inhabitants of the coastal line of the sea. They feel great among rocks, reefs rich in vegetation. Greenish-brown in color with dark spots on the sides. Fins and interorbital space red-pink. Body length up to 50 cm.
imperial angel
It is hard not to notice the fish even among other beauties of the warm sea. Decorated with forehead and eye stripes. Color from yellow-blue-white tones in variations of shades and patterns. A variety of solid and interrupted stripes, spots, specks, transitions and mergers.
The directions of the pattern are also diverse: circular, diagonal, vertical, transverse, wavy. With all the individuality of the outfits of the fish, they are recognizable in their grace.
The imperial angel has a variety of colors
Plataxes
Young crescent-shaped fish grow up to 70 cm in length. The body is flattened laterally. The color is bright orange or yellow with three black stripes. Curious by nature, not shy, swim close enough to the drivers. Keep in groups. With age, the color becomes silvery monochromatic, as the stripes are blurred. The size of the fins is reduced.
lantern fish
The most luminous organs are the eyes. The emission of greenish light comes from the lower eyelid, sometimes from the caudal or abdominal part. Small-sized fish, up to 11 cm, live in caves at a depth of up to 25 m. They hide from divers. Light attracts prey to them, serves as a contact for their species.
Aggressive inhabitants
The sea depths can be dangerous. The inhabitants of the sea do not all attack when they meet, but you should not provoke their attack. So, for example, an open wound, the smell of blood always attract predators. Compliance with simple rules can secure acquaintance with the Red Sea:
- do not touch the fish with your hands;
- avoid night swimming.
Insidious behavior at a meeting or an unexpected attack of fish can result in serious injuries, a risk to human life.
poisonous fish
Surgeon fish
The tail fins have sharp spikes for protection. In the normal state, they are hidden in special recesses. When danger arises, the spikes move apart like cutting scalpels.
The length of the fish reaches 1 meter. An attempt to stroke a bright beauty, blue, pink-brown or lemon, can result in a retaliatory blow and a deep wound.
stone fish
Insidiousness in inconspicuous appearance. Warty growths, gray color give a repulsive appearance. Buried in the seabed, fish blend with the surface in color and shape. An unexpected prick of the dorsal fin with spikes is so dangerous that, without medical assistance, a person dies after a few hours.
Excruciating pains, clouding of consciousness, vascular disorders, failures of heart rhythms follow after a poisonous lesion. A cure is possible, but it is difficult and long.
Fish stone perfectly disguises itself as the seabed
Lionfish or zebrafish
It is notable for ribbon-like fins of an exotic look with poisonous needles. Defeat with spikes causes a convulsive reaction, loss of consciousness, respiratory spasms. Brownish-red scales resemble a fan with alternating stripes. From cautiously kept at a distance, many marine life.
On the edges of the fins of the lionfish is a strong poison
Stingrays (electric and stingray)
Despite the strong damaging effect, stingrays are not aggressive. Careless handling of residents can lead to
- to an electrical discharge, as a result of which paralysis or cardiac arrest is possible;
- prick with a poisonous thorn - the wound is very painful and difficult to heal.
No deaths have been recorded after meeting with, but no one wants to step on a stingray.
Sea Dragon
By the appearance of the inhabitant, it can be confused with the well-known bull. But dark spots-stripes give out one of the most unpredictable predators. It hunts prey both at a depth of up to 20 m and in the shallow waters of the coast. There were cases when people simply stepped on a dragon buried in the sand.
An inconspicuous fish, up to 50 cm long with an elongated body, attacks with lightning speed. The eyes are set high - it helps to hunt. The spread fan of the dorsal fin is a warning, but it is not always noticed. All needles are toxic. Additional spines are located on the gill covers.
Even a dead fish can poison with a poisonous injection within 2-3 hours. Therefore, it poses a particular danger to fishermen. In the fish caught on the bait, the thorns are pressed, but in the hands it will show its cunning. As a result of a poisonous injection, edema, paralysis develop, there is a risk of death in heart failure.
Arotron stellate
Large fish growing up to 1.5 m may be invisible in the water surface due to the color in a small dot and the slowness of movement. The main feature is the ability to inflate to a ball.
This is facilitated by a special chamber near the stomach, where water is collected at the time of danger. Skin without elasticity. The bloated look scares off enemies.
Tetradotoxin poison accumulates in the body of the arotron, so eating is not recommended. Bites are painful. Durable tooth plates grind shellfish and corals.
Poisonous fish of the Red Sea often surpass in strength the paralyzing effect of terrestrial reptiles.
dangerous fish
needlefish
The body of a narrow hexagonal shape is elongated up to 1 meter in length. Color varies in color from light green, gray to reddish-brown. With its long jaws, the fish can easily bite through the body of a person. Meeting her is dangerous.
Tiger shark
The insidiousness of the species is in the unpredictable appearance of man-eating fish in the port, on the beach area, in the bay. Large predators, from two to seven meters long, are decorated with tiger stripes on the sides. Color on a gray background fades with age. Feature - in the ability to hunt even in complete darkness.
The tiger shark is one of the first places in the attack on people
Barracuda
It looks like a river with small scales, up to 2 meters long. The large mouth of a barracuda with knife-like teeth captures prey firmly, it can cripple a person’s limbs, mistaking them for fish in muddy water.
It does not show aggression towards humans, but hunts together with sharks, which creates an additional threat. Connoisseurs attribute certain species to edible fish with valuable meat.
The risk of eating the delicacy of the "unknown" barracuda is in severe poisoning with many symptoms, which complicates the diagnosis. Violation of the body systems: respiratory, nervous, circulatory - leads to death.
moray eel
Varieties can be from 15 cm to 3 m long. A serpentine body without scales gracefully moves at the very bottom among stones and crevices. The dorsal fin runs from head to tail.
Color is varied. There are individuals both monophonic and spotted, striped in yellowish-gray tones. Huge mouth with two jaws. After an attack, you can unclench the moray eel teeth only with outside help. A torn bite does not heal for a long time, although the fish is not poisonous.
bluefin balisthode
It is especially dangerous in the summer months, when the nesting period begins. A meeting with a person will certainly end with a predator attack. At other times, the balistod is calm, does not react to large objects. Found near coral reefs.
The color is spotted or striped, on a dark greenish background there are bright stains. Powerful teeth, up to 7 cm in size, split shells of crustaceans, grind limestone. The bites are not poisonous, but the wounds inflicted are always very severe. The fish are considered unpredictable and one of the most dangerous on the reefs.
Spotted flathead (crocodile fish)
Favorite habitats - in coral reefs. In size, the fish reaches 70-90 cm. A large head with a wide mouth makes it look like a crocodile. The body is covered with scales of a sandy color or a dirty green color.
It swims little, mostly burrows into the bottom sand and remains motionless for several hours. With sudden jerks it catches gaping fish. The mouth is small, so it only hunts small prey.
The view of the flathead is frightening, covered with spikes that protect against other predators. When meeting with a person does not show aggression. It is impossible to touch the spotted flathead. The danger is inflicting accidental wounds from the dirty spikes of the bottom crocodile. They lead to inflammation, if the site of the lesion is not carefully treated.
Red Sea tilozur
The predator can be seen at shallow depths while hunting for small fish. Large individuals, up to 1.5 meters, are similar to barracudas, but their jaws are longer. A feature of the tylosurs is the ability to jump out of the water and, bending, fly over the waves for a decent distance.
With their tail, they seem to push off the water, accelerate to jump into the school of fish that do not see the hunter. More than once, fishermen fell victim to the toothy snout of a powerful tylosur.
Dangerous fish of the Red Sea not fully explored. The unique qualities of the inhabitants, surviving in the natural reserve for millions of years, fascinate with the variety and unpredictability of manifestations. The richness of the underwater world continues to amaze tourists and researchers with its evolutionary beauty.
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