Aspects of mangal ecology along the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia

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Abstract
Surveys of the mangal along the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia form the basis of this study. Both soft-bottomed mangals and the less well known hard-bottomed mangals are represented. The distribution of Avicennia marina, the dominant mangrove species, is discontinuous in the northern part of the Red Sea. Its development increases southwards, and mean height is inversely correlated both with latitude (PPRhizophora mucronata, was recorded in only five areas. Molluscs and crabs represent the principal faunal elements within the mangal. The density of Cerithidea cingulata, the dominant mollusc species, shows significant correlation (PUca) are included among the crab fauna of the mangal, one of which (U. urvillei) is here newly recorded for the Red Sea. Evidence is given for suggesting that the mangal biota in the region sampled may not be distinctive. Rather, it consists of many species found not only within the mangal but also in other habitats such as seagrass beds and even rock beaches. It is suggested that the mangal of the Red Sea represents a composite habitat, containing both hard and soft substrates and inhabited by species typical of each. This contrasts with the situation in most other mangals studied.