Distribution, abundance and diversity of reef fishes in waters of some cities along the northern Egyptian Red Sea coast, Egypt

The Egyptian Red Sea coast is characterized by the presence of a few human densities distributed over large areas, aligned with an integrated marine system, whether human or industrial. all of which have a great impact on it.  The coast is also affected by the presence of ports, tourism, and commercial fishing activities.  Hence, the effect of those factors on coral reef fish's distribution, abundance, and diversity were subjected to a profound study addressing some megacities along the northern Egyptian Red Sea coast (Ras Gharib, Hurgada, Safaga, and El-Qusier), where three stations in each city were surveyed.  Adult fishes were counted by visual censuses. A total of 16179 individuals of reef fish species were counted, representing 93 reef fish species, belonging to 26 families. The highest fish abundance was recorded in north Hurgada (HN) with 4432 fishes. The lowest fish abundance was found in middle Hurgada (HM), where only 292 individuals were recorded. The highest diversity (54 species) was recorded in HN, while the lowest (18 species) was detected in HM. Results showed that fishes were most abundant during winter; HN had the highest number of fishes during all seasons, while HM had the lowest number of fishes during spring, summer, and autumn. In addition, HN recorded the highest diversity (53 species) during spring and north Safaga recorded the lowest diversity (only 5 species) during winter. Fishes of family Mullidae were more abundant during winter and labrid fishes were dominant during rest seasons. Labridae and Chaetodontidae were the most diverse families during all seasons of the year.