Conspicuous and cryptic reef fishes from a unique and economically important region in the northern Red Sea.

ABSTRACT: Al Wajh Bank in the northern Red Sea contains an extensive coral reef system that potentially supports a novel fish community. The large (1500km2) and shallow (< 40m depth) lagoon experiences greater temperature and salinity fluctuations, as well as higher turbidity, than most other Red Sea reefs. Since these conditions often influence coral community structure and introduce physiological challenges to its resident organisms, changes in reef-associated fishes are expected. We present critical baseline data on fish biodiversity and benthic composition for the Al Wajh Bank. Underwater visual census of conspicuous fishes and standardized collections of cryptobenthic fishes were combined to provide a comprehensive assessment of these fish communities. We documented 153 fish species and operati

SUBMITTER: Atta CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6822765 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature