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5 Endemic Species of the Red Sea

5 Endemic Species of the Red Sea

Written by Leisure Pro Staff
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Published on October 13, 2014

There are over 1,100 different species of fish in the Red Sea, and it is estimated that at least twenty percent of them are endemic species of the Red Sea. With such varied marine life, it’s no surprise that the Red Sea is so popular with SCUBA divers. Each visit to this area brings about new wonders and this article will explore five species of fish that can only be found in the Red Sea.

Fish are not the only marine life the Red Sea has to offer, but if a diver is looking for a rare experience the Red Sea will never show the same type of fish twice. With all the endemic species of the Red Sea, each diving journey will be a unique adventure!

Masked Butterfly Fish

This gorgeous, bright yellow fish features a blue slate eye patch and thin vertical stripes down its sides. This species are often spotted in pairs, and are one of a very small number of fish species that have long term mates.

Springer’s Dottyback

This unique species is jet black with electric blue horizontal lines streaming across its face. This fish is difficult to spot because of its agility and ability to hide amongst the reefs.

Picasso Triggerfish

This endemic species of the Red Sea looks as though it came out of one of Picasso’s works of art. This fish is white with striking yellow and  blue fine lines around the facial area and oblique dark bands extending from its anal fin.

Red Sea Pipefish

This tiny species are very brightly colored relatives of the sea horse, but divers should know that without a source of light they often appear to have a brownish hue. Their actual colors of red and yellow can be seen in artificial light, such as a camera, as well.

Red Sea Flasher Wrasse

This beautiful species has a unique reddish orange shade that is streaked with electric blue horizontal veins along its body.  The name comes from the colors flashing from the quick movements a male will make during mating season.

Leisure Pro Staff

Leisure Pro Staff

Marketing Director for LeisurePro