11 Exciting Species To Spot When Scuba Diving In The Red Sea

October 2, 2024

The Red Sea, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, is truly a diver’s paradise teeming with diverse marine life. Spanning from the Gulf of Aqaba to the Arabian Sea, this body of water offers species ranging from the smallest invertebrates to the largest pelagic predators. We will take a look at eleven of the most exciting species you can spot when scuba diving in the Red Sea and where to go to find them.

1. Red Sea Clownfish

The Red Sea Clownfish, Amphiprion bicinctus, recognizable by its vivid orange color and two white bands, is a staple of the Red Sea’s coral reefs. These fish typically grow up to 5.5 inches (14 cm) in length and form symbiotic relationships with sea anemones, which provide them with protection from predators such as larger fish and eels. In return, clownfish offer the anemones nutrients through their waste.

Clownfish are omnivores, feeding on algae, plankton, and small invertebrates, and they have a lifespan of around 6 to 10 years. These fish are relatively common in their habitat, which spans the coral-rich areas of the Red Sea, and they are a classic fish to spot when scuba diving in the Red Sea.

2. Giant Moray Eel

The Giant Moray Eel, Gymnothorax javanicus, is one of the most scary-looking species to find when scuba diving in the Red Sea, capable of reaching lengths up to 10 feet (3 meters)! They inhabit coral reefs and rocky substrates, where they hide in crevices during the day and hunt at night.

Their diet includes fish, octopuses, and crustaceans, which they capture with their sharp teeth and powerful jaws. Despite their intimidating appearance, moray eels are generally not aggressive unless provoked. They can live up to 30 years in the wild. While not particularly rare, their elusive nature means sightings can be a very special experience for divers.

The Red Sea is a fantastic liveaboard destination. Find out more here: The 7 Best Liveaboard Diving Locations3. Oceanic Whitetip Shark

The Oceanic Whitetip shark, Carcharhinus longimanus, is a large pelagic predator known for its distinctive long, white-tipped fins. Many divers have this shark species on their wish list when they go scuba diving in the Red Sea.

Typically growing to around 10 feet (3 meters), these sharks are found in open ocean areas, often near the surface. They feed on a variety of prey, including bony fish, cephalopods, and occasionally seabirds. Their opportunistic feeding habits make them an apex predator in their ecosystem. Unfortunately, oceanic whitetips are classified as vulnerable to extinction due to overfishing and bycatch. Encounters with these sharks are a highlight for divers, but they are becoming increasingly rare.

4. Napoleon Wrasse

The Napoleon Wrasse, Cheilinus undulatus, is one of the largest reef fish, capable of growing over 6 feet (2 meters) long and weighing up to 420 pounds (190 kilograms). They are characterized by their prominent hump on the forehead and thick lips and witnessing their sheer size is a highlight of scuba diving in the Red Sea.

Found in coral reefs and lagoons, they have a diet consisting of mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish. These wrasses can live up to 30 years and are known for their curious and approachable nature, making them popular among divers. However, their populations are threatened by overfishing, particularly for the live fish trade, leading to their classification by the IUCN as endangered.

5. Reef Manta Rays

Reef Manta Rays, Mobula alfredi, are among the most graceful and majestic creatures in the ocean, with wingspans reaching up to 23 feet (7 meters). They inhabit open waters and are often seen near coral reefs and at cleaning stations where smaller fish remove parasites from their bodies. 

Manta rays feed on plankton, which they filter from the water using specialized gill plates. They are known for their gentle nature and intelligence. While manta rays are a relatively common sight in certain parts of the Red Sea, their populations are vulnerable to fishing pressures and habitat loss.

The Red Sea is home to some beautiful hidden treasures. Here is one of them: Scuba diving in Dahab: Discover Egypt’s best-kept secret6. Crown-of-Thorns Starfish

The Crown-of-Thorns Starfish, Acanthaster planci, is a large, venomous starfish that can grow up to 14 inches (35 cm) in diameter. Named for the venomous spines covering its body, this starfish eats coral, making it a significant species in coral reef ecosystems. 

While it plays a natural role in maintaining coral diversity by preventing any one species from dominating, outbreaks of these starfish can devastate reefs. They have few natural predators, such as the Triton snail, due to their venomous spines. Managing their populations is crucial for the health of coral reefs.

7. Whale Sharks

The whale shark, Rhincodon typus, is the largest fish in the sea, reaching lengths of up to 40 feet (12 meters). Known for their distinctive spotted pattern and enormous mouths, these gentle giants feed primarily on plankton and small fish. The Red Sea is one of the places where these magnificent creatures can be observed, especially during the plankton-rich periods when they come close to the surface.

Whale sharks are a significant draw for divers and snorkelers due to their majestic presence and generally docile nature. Despite their size, they pose no threat to humans. Protecting their populations is crucial as they are listed as endangered, with threats including habitat loss and illegal fishing. Conservation efforts are essential to ensure that these awe-inspiring creatures continue to thrive in the Red Sea.

8. Dugong

Dugongs, Dugong dugon, also known as sea cows, are large marine mammals that can reach lengths of up to 10 feet (3 meters) and weigh around 660 pounds (300 kilograms). They are found in shallow coastal waters and seagrass beds, which are their primary food source. 

Dugongs are herbivorous and spend much of their time grazing on seagrass, playing a vital role in maintaining the health of these underwater meadows. They can live for over 70 years, but their populations are threatened by habitat destruction, boat collisions, and hunting. These gentle giants are a sought-after highlight of scuba diving in the Red Sea. For the best chance of seeing them, go diving in Marsa Alam.

9. Red Sea Bannerfish

The Red Sea Bannerfish, Heniochus intermedius, with its striking black, white, and yellow coloring and elongated dorsal fin, is a common sight in coral reefs. They grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) long and are often found in pairs or small groups. 

These fish feed primarily on zooplankton and small invertebrates, and their distinctive appearance makes them popular among underwater photographers scuba diving in the Red Sea. Bannerfish are generally abundant in the Red Sea, thriving in the nutrient-rich waters around coral reefs.

10. Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill sea turtles, Eretmochelys imbricata, are critically endangered sea turtles known for their beautiful, patterned shells. They can grow up to 35 inches (90 cm) in length and weigh around 176 pounds (80 kilograms). Hawksbill turtles are found in coral reefs and rocky areas, where they feed on sponges, anemones, and jellyfish. Their sharp, pointed beaks are specially adapted to access food in crevices and coral.

These captivating sea turtles play an important role in maintaining the health of coral reefs by controlling sponge populations. While they are a rare sight, dedicated conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these magnificent creatures. 

Did you hear about the Red Sea’s sea urchin problem? Find out more here: Mass death of sea urchins threatens Red Sea reefs11. Spotted Eagle Ray

The Spotted Eagle Ray, Aetobatus narinari, is easily recognizable by its dark body covered in white spots and its broad, wing-like pectoral fins. They can reach widths of up to 10 feet (3 meters), including their long, whip-like tail. 

These rays inhabit coral reefs, sandy bottoms, and open waters, where they feed on mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish. Spotted eagle rays are known for their graceful swimming and can often be seen gliding through the water or swimming near the surface. They are relatively common and are a delight to encounter when scuba diving in the Red Sea due to their striking appearance and elegant movements.

Protecting the Red Sea’s Marine Life

While the Red Sea’s marine biodiversity is a source of wonder, it is also important to consider the marine conservation efforts in place to protect these ecosystems and to practice responsible diving during every dive.

Whether you are a seasoned diver or a beginner, the Red Sea promises a rich and rewarding underwater adventure. By supporting sustainable practices and educating yourself about the marine environment, you can ensure that future generations enjoy the same breathtaking experiences.

Where to go Scuba Diving in the Red Sea

Now you know what marine life you can spot, are you ready to go scuba diving in the Red Sea? There are numerous places to enjoy the warm, clear waters of the Red Sea and the incredible marine life that lives there. 

Go swimming with whale sharks in Hurghada or Djibouti and explore the world-famous wrecks and reefs of Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Alternatively, get off the beaten path and explore Sudan and Eritrea’s untouched and pristine coral reefs. Whichever you choose, the Red Sea will meet your needs.

Find out more in our complete guide to scuba diving in the Red Sea

LEARN MORE ABOUT DIVING IN THE RED SEA