Structure and complexity of a rariphotic coral ecosystem in the Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea)
Chimienti, G.; Marchese, F.; Purkis, S.J.; Nunes Peinemann, V.; Pombo-Ayora, L.; Ezeta Watts, M.; Terraneo, T.I.; Berumen, M.L.; Eweida, A.A.; Rodrigue, M.; Benzoni, F. (2025). Structure and complexity of a rariphotic coral ecosystem in the Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea). Coral Reefs Online first. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00338-025-02696-9
In: Coral Reefs. Springer: Berlin; Heidelberg; New York. ISSN 0722-4028; e-ISSN 1432-0975, more
|   |
| Authors | | Top |
- Chimienti, G.
- Marchese, F.
- Purkis, S.J.
- Nunes Peinemann, V.
|
- Pombo-Ayora, L.
- Ezeta Watts, M.
- Terraneo, T.I.
- Berumen, M.L.
|
- Eweida, A.A.
- Rodrigue, M.
- Benzoni, F.
|
| Abstract |
A series of explorations along the Saudi Arabian coast of the Gulf of Aqaba (Neom territory, Red Sea) led us to discover and characterize a Rariphotic Coral Ecosystem (RCE) spanning a depth range of 110–200 m. The primary architects of this ecosystem are the azooxanthellate scleractinian corals Madracis interjecta, Dendrophyllia minuscula, and Rhizopsammia compacta. These corals build the framework of three different bioherms (i.e., M. interjecta mound-like bioherms, D. minuscula shelf-like formations, and R. compacta bio-stalactites), encrusted, cemented and reinforced by a suite of benthic taxa including other scleractinian corals, bryozoans, foraminifers, molluscs, and serpulids. The RCE is characterized by a rich associated community of antipatharians and alcyonaceans, and it provides habitat for numerous fish taxa. Light-dependent zooxanthellate scleractinians and macroalgae, present in the lower mesophotic coral ecosystems at shallower depths (80–102 m) at the same sites, were absent in the examined RCE. North of the city of Magna, the RCE develops to its fullest complexity, with a combination of all three bioherms arising at multiple levels from the vertical reef wall, giving the appearance of a structured “coral palace.” Due to its unique structure, complexity, and richness, the RCE here described—and the Magna site in particular—represent a priority for conservation framed by amplified urgency related to the ongoing coastal development in Saudi Arabia. |
|
