Coral Reefs BACK

The warmth of the Gulf of Elat, and its clarity - allowing solar penetration to great depths - provide optimal conditions for the growth of corals.

A coral reef, of the fringing reef type, developed some 20 m. off the shoreline and caused the formation of the shallow lagoons. The sandy bottom of the lagoon is inhabited by numerous burrowing creatures, such as sand dollars, sea cucumbers, snails, sea urchins and star fish.

Stony corals are the major contributors to the reef formations and serve as a base for other sessile organisms. Most of the corals consist of colonies of very small animals (polyps), all of which are inter-connected and grow in size through the budding of new polyps. The corals may be divided into stony corals and soft corals. The stony corals, which produce calcium carbonate skeletons, are the reef- building species. Some of these are solitary (fungia) some form flat or rounded skeletal masses (brain coral), while others form branching growth forms. Soft corals, on the other hand, look like fragile trees and bushes waving slightly in the water. Among the most colourful of these are the gorgonarian, or fan corals. The fire coral (not a true coral) is noted for its high concentration of poisonous cells which, on contact, inflict a burning rash.

The stony corals provide shelter and substratum for many organisms, especially the numerous coral-reef fish and invertebrates. Giant clams, sea anemones and sea urchins are common in the cracks and crevices of the reef flats.

The reef's wall is a meeting place between live coral and the open sea. The fish that inhabit the reef survive by unique adaptations to their environment.

The damselfish appears among the corals' branches the colourful butterfly fish swim in couples through cracks in the reef schools of goldfish take refuge between the corals in time of danger. Some fish live in defined areas among the reef, such as the clown anemonefish, seeking shelter among the tentacles of the sea anemone, and the cleanerfish, which invites big fish into its ``cleaning station'' where it cleans even their teeth. Fish moving in groups along the reef are the surgeonfish which, at the base of its tail, conceals a sharp, folded spine, and the parrotfish with its beak-like mouth adapted to scraping coral rocks. The beautifully coloured lionfish which, with its array of venomous spines, discourages attack, the moray eel, which has its den in the coral caves, and the groupers, are the predators of the coral reefs.

The open-sea fish are streamlined for rapid swimming. Typically, their backs are bluish in colour, their bellies silver-gray.

The tuna, jackfish, and young barracuda swim in schools the trumpetfish has long, tooth-lined jaws and a very narrow body. Various types of sharks are also found in these waters: the black-tipped and white-tipped sharks.

Manta rays, bat rays, sizable sea turtles, and octopus are also to be found posing for the photographer.

Tour Yam, located on Coral Beach, offer glass-bottomed boats and cruise vessels for individuals or groups. Also regular tours to the coral reefs. Recommended by the Tourism Ministry. You can also explore the undersea world on the Jules Verne Explorer, a high-tech observatory ship with underwater window-walls and a large terrace on deck (with restaurant). The two-hour tour operates day and night, with a special tour to Coral Island twice a week.