Fish Surveys

A survey of fish species in Sanganeb Marine National Park and Dungonab Bay – Mukkawar Island Marine National Park revealed notable differences in fish diversity and community structure compared to other Red Sea reefs. The study recorded 204 fish species, with a mean of 10.5 species at seven sites in Dungonab Bay, contrasting sharply with 28.9 for other reefs. Coral diversity was also limited, dominated by Galaxea, and specific species like Chaetodon larvatus were abundant, feeding on soft coral Xenia, while Pseudanthias squamipinnis was absent. Predatory groupers and barracudas were more prevalent in Dungonab Bay, indicating a distinct ecological profile. The findings highlight the unique dynamics of Red Sea reef communities, where species exhibit different spawning cycles than their Indian Ocean relatives, with peaks in winter rather than summer.

Vine, P. J. (2023). Fish Surveys. Growth and Decay of Coral Reefs, 19–21. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003335795-5