By phylum

In the Red Sea, coral reefs lie alongside sandy seabeds. Brown algae attach to sunlit surfaces. Their fronds shelter small animals and can provide food for herbivores.

In the Red Sea, coral reefs lie alongside sandy seabeds. Green algae use sunlight to grow. They feed herbivores and, depending on their shape, provide small shelters in coastal habitats.

In the Red Sea, corals and sea anemones are prominent reef inhabitants. Cnidarians include corals, sea anemones and jellyfish. Their stinging cells help capture prey or provide defence; reef-building corals also create habitats.

In the Red Sea, coral reefs lie alongside sandy seabeds. Crustaceans have an outer shell and jointed legs. Crabs, shrimps and other species explore shelters, catch prey or consume remains, depending on their way of life.

In the Red Sea, coral reefs lie alongside sandy seabeds. Molluscs include gastropods, bivalves and cephalopods. With or without a visible shell, they feed in very different ways, including grazing, filtering and hunting.

In the Red Sea, currents carry plankton between reefs and offshore waters. Plankton consists of organisms carried by currents. From microscopic forms to visible animals, it provides food for many marine inhabitants.

In the Red Sea, sand and reef crevices shelter fishes closely associated with the seabed. Benthic fishes live in close contact with the seabed. They use sand, rocks or shelters to hide, rest and find food.

The structure of Red Sea reefs provides many shelters for fishes. Demersal fishes swim close to the seabed without remaining on it all the time. This proximity gives them access to shelters and food resources.

Off the Red Sea reefs, open water forms a habitat of its own. Pelagic fishes live in the water column. Their movements, sometimes in schools, connect them with food carried by currents and with open-water predators.

In the Red Sea, coral reefs lie alongside sandy seabeds. Sponges are attached animals that draw water through their bodies to feed. They filter small particles and contribute to nutrient recycling.