We hope that each of you, our readers, will enjoy and appreciate this article we present about these 4 Radiant Red Sea Creatures. It was certainly our pleasure to compile the information for you. May it provide you with both education and increased awareness.
These few species listed herein represent only a portion of the natural wonders found throughout the region, though. Yet, it’s our belief that they serve as excellent representations of the wonders found here. Check out some of our other articles for similar marvels.
Oceanic whitetip shark
Oceanic whitetip shark Facts
- Leading off this article about 4 Radiant Red Sea Creatures we present the impressive fish known as the OCeanic whitetip shark.
- This majestic yet dangerous predator of the depths most frequently goes by this common name throughout its range. Yet, it also holds less often used titles. These include such terms as nigano shark, brown shark, and simply whitetip shark.
- Within the scientific community, however, it’s better known by its formal moniker. But that’s an extremely hard name to pronounce for the layperson. That’s because this marvel of nature bears the complex technical title of the Carcharhinus longimanus.
- A degree of controversy persists inside the halls of science, though, concerning that appellation. The first known formal description of the fish occurred in 1831, due to the work of the French naturalist, René-Primevère Lesson, who gave it a similar name.
- The next description of it, however, took place in 1861, at the hands of the Cuban zoologist, Felipe Poey. He also provided it with a similar yet different moniker. Given this confusion, and still others, the name used here is generally the most accepted.
- Sadly, the population of the remarkable Oceanic whitetip shark measures quite small. It also appears to be continuing to diminish. That state apparently holds true throughout its range. The ICUN thus currently lists the fish as Critically Endangered.
- It faces numerous threats to its existence. Most of these stem from the actions of man. They include such factors as being actively fished for its meat and fins. The creature also now faces the dual dangers posed by habitat loss and ongoing climate change.
Oceanic whitetip shark Physical Description
The mesmerizing Oceanic whitetip shark immediately captivates many who encounter the animal in its native environment. Unlike some species, though, it does so for several reasons. That’s due to the fact that it’s visually impressive due to both its appearance and size.
In that respect, the shark follows a pattern common to many of its relatives. That’s true since it displays a certain degree of the physiological characteristic known as sexual dimorphism. In its specific case, this trait manifests itself purely in terms of physical measurements.
More precisely, the female of the species attains a slightly greater overall size than her male counterparts. This gender of the intriguing fish reaches an average body length of roughly 12.8 ft (3.9 m). These further grow to an average body mass equaling 374.8 lb (170 kg).
Males, however, only attain an average length of body measuring about 9.8 ft (3 m). They do tend to have a slightly stockier build than the females, though. Due to this general development, their body mass is an only slightly lighter average of about 368 lb (167 kg).
In terms of overall appearance other than this, however, both sexes of the Oceanic whitetip shark remain virtually indistinguishable at a glance. The upper body of the fish typically displays a gray-bronze shade. Its lower body, though, generally shows an off-white shade.
Yet it’s the fins of the animal that serve as the source of the common name. Most of these display a bright white tip. Each also presents a mottled pattern among adults, and black in younger specimens. A patch resembling a saddle somtimes appears between two dorsal fins.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Chondrichthyes
- Order: Carcharhiniformes
- Family: Carcharhinidae
- Genus: Carcharhinus
- Species: C. longimanus
Oceanic whitetip shark Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The fascinating Oceanic whitetip shark evolved as native to an extremely broad swathe of the globe. The full extent of that zone of habitation might surprise some people, though. That’s because this wonder lives in oceans worldside between latitudes 45 N and 43 S.
The vast majority of this range of appearance consists of relatively to extremely deep waters. The creature also displays decided preferences for the temperature of the waters it lives in, as well. It seems to favor temperatures above 68F (20C), and up to approximately 82F (28C).
Yet it also shows some flexibility in this regard. That’s true since a certain percentage of observed specimens appeared in waters with a temperature of about 59F (15C). The animal does, however, seem to studiously attempt to avoid temperatures lower than this.
Despite mainly living in regions of great depths, though, it spends most of its time in the upper layers of the ocean. Most sightings occur at depths of no greater than 490 ft (150 m). Though most individuals stay offshore, some venture into areas as shallow as 120 ft (37 m).
The beautiful Oceanic whitetip shark typically lives a primarily solitary life. Small, temporary groups do sometimes form, however, for hunting and feeding purposes. The animal also evolved as an active hunter, swimming and seeking out prey by both day and night equally.
As a general principle, it usually feeds on a variety of cephalopods, like small squid, and bony fish, such as oarfish and barracuda. Yet it sometimes varies this, adopting a more flexible diet. At these times, it eats such prey as stingrays, birds, crustaceans, and sea turtles.
Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda Facts
- Next up in this compendium of 4 Radiant Red Sea Creatures comes the intriguing creature that’s named the Great Barracuda.
- This remarkable denizen of the depths remains best known by the descriptive common name we’ve used herein. It also has other titles, though. These include the terms Commerson’s sea pike and barra, among others in the english language.
- Among scientific professionals, however, it’s perhaps better known by its technical name. Thankfully, that’s a term that’s comparatively easy for the layperson to pronounce. That’s because this marvel bears the moniker of the Sphyraena barracuda.
- It received that appellation due to the efforts of the German naturalist, Johann Julius Walbaum. The noted researcher accomplished the first formal recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. That scientifically noteworthy deed occurred in 1792.
- Thankfully, the Great Barracuda seems to be maintaining a population base that’s both stable and sufficient. That pleasant situation further appears to hold true throughout the entirety of its range. Accordingly, the IUCN lists the animal as Least Concern.
- The impressive fish nevertheless still faces several potential threats to its existence, at least. Most of these stem from the actions of humans. They’re the same dangers faced by most species today. They include the dual perils of habitat loss and climate change.
Great Barracuda Physical Description
The amazing Great Barracuda fully merits both the title and the attention it receives. That’s due to the fact that it distinguishes itself from others of its kind in intriguing ways. Its very name reflects one of these, because it represents the largest of all known barracudas.
This variety of fish also stands out because, unlike most species, this animal displays no notable degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. It’s therefore extremely difficult for the untrained observer to distinguish the sex of specimens visually.
Overall, both genders reach the same approximate size. This trait, however, serves as the source of the common name. Mature individuals typically attain a length ranging from 24 – 39 in (60 – 100 cm). It also averages a widely varying weight of 5.5 – 19.8 lb (2.5 – 9 kg).
Exceptional individuals do occur, though. Some even exceed these measurements greatly. Extraordinary specimens sometimes grow beyond 4.9 ft (1.5 m), and weigh in excess of 51 lb (23 kg). The longest confirmed specimen of this creature measured 6.6 ft (2m).
Mature examples possess a streamlined body shape, though rounder in the middle. The mouth is large, and contains two rows of razor-sharp teeth. Its lower jaw also juts out further than the upper one does. Uniquely, the top of the head develops as almost flat.
Mature Great Barracuda also display a fascinating pattern of coloring. The upper side of the body presents either a bluish gray or brown, or a combination. But the lower side shows a greenish hue that fades to silver on the sides. The belly generally appears an off-white.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Actinopterygii
- Order: Istiophoriformes
- Family: Sphyraenidae
- Genus: Sphyraena
- Species: S. barracuda
Great Barracuda Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The stunning Great Barracuda evolved as endemic to an extremely broad expanse of the oceans of the world. Yet that range is also very specific. That’s true since it developed as native to an almost worldwide expanse of temperate, tropical, and subtropical waters.
It’s common in the western Atlantic, from Massachusetts, in the United States, to Brazil. Yet it also appears in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. The fish also lives in the Red Sea, eastern Atlantic and Indo-Pacific. But it’s rarely spotted in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
This impressive creature also displays decidedly strong preferences in its choice of habitat. It mainly lives in shallower waters near the shore. Though the powerful fish does sometimes appear farther out at sea, even there it usually remains either at or very near the surface.
In all regions it lives in, however, this wonder of evolution is rarely seen at depths exceeding 325 ft (100 m). It spends the vast majority of its time in regions comprised of seagrasses, mangroves, and coral reefs. These provide it with shelter and a ready food source.
The magnficent Great Barracuda primarily lives a solitary life. Small groups do sometimes form on a temporary basis, however. This usually occurs due to the presence of a higher than usual food supply in a given area. They tend to move to slightly deeper areas with age.
This species generally hunts by ambush, utilizing short bursts of speed. They consume a wide variety of prey, consisting mainly of local fish species. Yet they also feed on smaller quantities of cephalopods and shrimp. Its own predators remain few, but includes sharks.
Halloween Hermit Crab
Halloween Hermit Crab Facts
- Our next choice for inclusion in this gathering of 4 Radiant Red Sea Creatures bears the distinctive name of Halloween Hermit Crab.
- The attention-grabbing term applied in this article serves as the most frequently used common name for this natural wonder. It does have another, less often used title, though. That’s the less showy but descriptive term of the striped hermit crab.
- Inside of scientific circles, however, it’s typically better known by its official title. Unfortunately, that’s an extremely difficult moniker for the layperson to pronounce. That’s because it bears the tongue-twisting technical name of the Ciliopagurus strigatus.
- The remarkable Arthropod received that hard to say title due to the efforts of the German naturalist, Johann Friedrich Wilhelm Herbst. He recorded the first recognition of it as a separate and dsitinct species. That noteworthy deed occurred in 1804.
- Thankfully, the unusual Halloween Hermit Crab seems to be maintaining a population base that’s sizeable and relatively stable. That fortunate state also appears to hold true throughout the entirety of its range. The IUCN thus has no Red List status for it.
- The species nevertheless does face some potential threats to its continued existence in the wild, at least. Most of these stem from the actions of humans. They include the common perils of habitat dedragation and loss, as well as climate change, of course.
Halloween Hermit Crab Physical Description
The magnificent Halloween Hermit Crab clearly merits its appreciation due to its appearance. This serves as ample proof that Nature places no importance on physical size. That holds true due to the fact that this marvel of evolution remain quite small in stature.
It additionally adheres to the pattern of growth typical to its many related species. That’s the fact that it displays a certain degree of the phyiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In th case of this crustacean, that trait manifests itself in terms of simple size.
More precisely, males attain greater average measurements than their female counterparts. The gender-based differences remain small, however. It’s therefore often difficult for the untrained expert to distinguish the sexes based on simple visual observation.
Overall, though, individuals of this interesting species reach a mature body length equaling about 2 in (5 cm). Though small compared to many crustaceans, it’s actually relatively large among hermit crabs. Including the shell, it rarely weighs more than 1 lb (0.5 kg).
The gorgeous Halloween Hermit Crab also boasts some other appealing qualities, as well. Its body manifests a clearly flattened, shield. This structure averages about 0.32 in (0.8 cm) in length. Uniquely, this aspect of its body also typically presents a bright white color.
It’s the rest of the body, combined with this, that earns the creature its name, though. Its eye stalks show a vibrant orange hue. The body presents a deep red shade, while the legs display a bright orange color, with horizontal white stripes. That’s truly a remarkable look!
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Malacostraca
- Order: Decapoda
- Family: Diogenidae
- Genus: Ciliopagaurus
- Species: C. strigatus
Halloween Hermit Crab Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The aptly-named Halloween Hermit Crab evolved as native to a moderately wide expanse of the marine waters of the world. The exact parameters of that range likely won’t surprise many people. That’s true since it developed as endemic to most of the Indo-Pacific.
Within that greater zone of habitation, though, its population appears more commonly in certain areas. That’s not uncommon among its kindred. A few of the smaller areas in which it makes its home include the waters around Hawaii, and even parts of the Red Sea.
The visually impressive work of Nature also displays strong preferences in its choice of habitat. Broadly speaking, it lives almost exclusively along regions of coral substrate. This most frequently consists of areas of the sandy regions surrounding coral reefs, not on them.
Yet its specific requirements for where the crustacean lives do not stop there. The creature also strongly prefers very shallow regions of the ocean. These typically consist of tropical, coastal areas. In point of fact, it’s rarely seen at depths greater than 50 ft (15.2 m).
Again following patterns similar to its relatives, the Halloween Hermit Crab typically lives a strong social life. Due to this tendency, the vast majority of mature specimens in the wild live usually in large groups. These sometimes number as many as 100 individuals.
It evolved as nocturnal in nature, and that’s when the animal does most of its hunting. It feeds as an omnivore, and a scavenger, as well. It also consumes almost anything it finds of a suitable size. That menu list includes such items as detritus, live prey, and algae.
Snowflake Moray
Snowflake Moray Facts
- Closing out this compilation of these 4 Radiant Red Sea Creatures we give you the fascinating wonder of the seas named the Snowflake Moray.
- This amazing creation of Nature and evolution most frequently goes by the descriptive common name due to its nature. It also has another occasionally used moniker, though. That’s the somewhat less attention-grabbing term of clouded moray.
- Among scientific professionals, however, it’s typically better known by its formal name. That’s a fairly simple name, too, at least compared to many of its relatives. That’s because this unique marvel of the seas bears the technical name of Echidna nebulosa.
- The impressive animal further received that name due to the efforts of the renowned Swedish researcher, Jonas Niclas Ahle. He accomplished the first official recognition of the creature as a separate and distinct species. This occurred in the year 1789.
- Most fortunately, the beautiful Snowflake Eel appears to be maintaining a population base that’s both sizeable and stable. This additionally seems to hold true throughout its native range. The IUCN, therefore, presently lists it as Least Concern on its Red List.
- This intriguing fish nevertheless does face some potential threats to its continued existence, at least. Like many species, the majority of these stem from human activities. Its greatest threat, though, likely consists of climate change, again like most animals.
Snowflake Moray Physical Description
Like many of its close cousins, the visual marvel known as the Snowflake Moray easily captivates those who encounter it. Also like the majority of those same relatives, it does so for a variety of reasons. In its case, though, one specific physical difference stands out.
That occurs due to the simple physical size of this particular species of eel. More specifically, this fish attains a much smaller overall size than the greater part of its Family. Nature, however, packed plenty of other remarkable attributes into its comparatively small frame.
The animal also mimics most of its kind in the fact that it diplays a certain amount of sexual dimorphism. In its case, though, this trait manifests in a most unusual, and highly specific, manner. For starters, all individuals of this species begin their lives as female!
Some individuals change their gender to male later in life. This typically occurs once the specific specimen reaches a certain size, but varies. Females usually possess slightly smaller teeth than their male counterparts. Otherwise they remain indistinguishable in appearance.
Both sexes of the Snowflake Moray reach a maximum known length of only 39 in (1 m). Most individuals do not attain that size, however, In fact, the great majority of specimens do not even approach this. An average body length measures approximately 20 in (50 cm).
Most display a white snout. Most of the rest of the body manifests yellow and brown shades. A black-striped and speckled pattern additionally appears. The snowflake-like pattern that also apears along its length obviously serves as the source of the common name.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Actinopterygii
- Order: Anguilliformes
- Family: Muraenidae
- Genus: Echidna
- Species: E. nebulosa
Snowflake Moray Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Another fact about the animal stands out, both for the Snowflake Moray itself, and those who appreciate the wonders of Nature. That pertains to its area of distribution in the wild. Fortunately, it inhabits a comparatively broad swathe of the marine waters of the globe.
That’s true because it evolved as native across the entirety of the Indo-Pacific region. More precisely, its known habitat range extends from the east coast of Africa across Micronesia. That region even includes the Red Sea and waters around the Hawaiian Islands.
It currently remains undetermined if it ever appeared beyond this area. Once more following a pattern common to its kind, it also evolved as endemic to a very precise range of depths. The intriguing eel lives at depths ranging from 157 ft (48 m) to as shallow as 3.3 ft (1 m).
Even there, the species displays decided preferences for its surrounding environment. That’s true given the fact that specimens most frequently inhabit beds of seagrass and areas of rocky rubble. It also enjoys inhabiting shallow tide pools and intertidal reef flats.
The fascinating Snowflake Moray predominantly feeds as a nocturnal predator. Its favorite prey, which accounts for a large majority of its diet, consists of various small crustaceans. Uniquely, it sometimes even ventures onto land for brief periods to hunt its prey!
The remarkable animal, in turn, has very few natural predators itself. In Nature, typically only barracuda or sharks form threats. It also seems to have a respectable lifespan among its kindred. Though that’s unknown in the wild, captive specimens live for up to 15 years.
4 Radiant Red Sea Creatures
We hope that each of you enjoyed reading, and hopefully learning from, this article we’ve written about these 4 Radiant Red Sea Creatures. It’s also our hope that doing so has left you with either a new or renewed appreciation for such wonders of Nature.
Unfortunately, however, many of their kindred around the world now find themselves facing strong threats to their continued existence as a species. Many of those dangers, in fact, stem from the actions of mankind. We must do all we can to protect and preserve them all.
Check out our other articles on 5 Fabulous Mammals of Florida, Africa’s Many Geological Masterpieces, 7 Intriguing South Carolina Insects, Earth’s Many Magnificent Bees
