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<p>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&#xa0;m. The primary architects of this ecosystem are the azooxanthellate scleractinian corals <i>Madracis interjecta, Dendrophyllia minuscula</i>, and <i>Rhizopsammia compacta</i>. These corals build the framework of three different bioherms (i.e., <i>M. interjecta</i> mound-like bioherms, <i>D. minuscula</i> shelf-like formations, and <i>R. compacta</i> 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&#xa0;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.</p>

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Structure and complexity of a rariphotic coral ecosystem in the Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea)

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年7月1日

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  • Giovanni Chimienti,
  • Fabio Marchese,
  • Sam J. Purkis,
  • Viktor Nunes Peinemann,
  • Lucía Pombo-Ayora,
  • Marta Ezeta Watts,
  • Tullia I. Terraneo,
  • Michael L. Berumen,
  • Ameer A. Eweida,
  • Mattie Rodrigue,
  • Francesca Benzoni

摘要

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.