The Red Sea is often described as the “UNDERWATER GARDEN OF EDEN”
Why is it called the Red Sea?
There are a few theories behind the name. One popular theory points to the seasonal blooms of algae trichodesmium erythraeum, which can turn the water a reddish-brown. Another theory is based on cardinal directions. Certain Asiatic languages assigned colours in association with the cardinal directions – red for south and black for north.
Total surface area: 458,620 km2
Salinity: 36-41%
The Red Sea is one of the saltiest bodies of water, with salinity between 36% and 41% (grams of salt in 1,000 grams of sea water).
79%: of the Red Sea’s shoreline belongs to Saudi Arabia
1,200: species of fish
10:common species of shark (including whale sharks, the largest species of fish in the world)
5: species of turtle
