Fish in Dungonab Bay

Dungonab Bay, a semi-enclosed marine environment within the Sanganeb Marine National Park and Dungonab Bay – Mukkawar Island Marine National Park, exhibits unique fish community dynamics. Unlike typical coral reefs, this bay is characterized by muddy seabeds rich in burrowing invertebrates, which limits the presence of reef-building corals. Galaxea becomes the most abundant coral genus here, contrasting with its status elsewhere, while Chaetodon larvatus dominates among butterflyfishes, often feeding on soft corals like Xenia. Notably, planktivorous species such as Pseudanthias squamipinnis are absent, likely due to limited branching coral cover and low plankton abundance. The bay also shows a higher prevalence of predatory species, including groupers (Anyperodon leucogrammicus and Epinephelus merra) and barracudas (Sphyraena barracuda), alongside fewer smaller coral-associated fish. These findings highlight the distinct ecological characteristics shaping Dungonab Bay's marine biodiversity.

Vine, P. J. (2023). Fish in Dungonab Bay. Growth and Decay of Coral Reefs, 43–44. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003335795-8