Andaman Sea

The Andaman Sea is a marginal sea of the northeastern Indian Ocean, bordered by Myanmar, Thailand, and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. A large body of water, it is roughly 795,000 square kilometers (307,000 sq mi) in area, with a maximum depth of 4,507 meters (14,787 ft). The sea is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and diverse marine life.

Ornate goby – Istigobius ornatus

Two-spot razorfish – Iniistius bimaculatus

Branching Frogspawn Coral – Fimbriaphyllia paradivisa

Large sandgoby – Fusigobius maximus

Anchor Coral – Fimbriaphyllia paraancora

Indian sail-fin surgeonfish – Zebrasoma desjardinii

Barred flagtail – Kuhlia mugil

Golden trevally – Gnathanodon speciosus

Double-lined mackerel – Grammatorcynus bilineatus

Undulated moray – Gymnothorax undulatus

Next

Geography

The Andaman Sea is a deep, narrow basin, separated from the Bay of Bengal by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is connected to the Indian Ocean by the Strait of Malacca. The sea's bottom topography is complex, with numerous submerged ridges and trenches. The Andaman Sea is also characterized by its strong monsoonal currents, which can change direction and intensity depending on the season. The currents play a significant role in the sea's rich marine life, carrying nutrients and larvae from one area to another.

Fauna

The Andaman Sea is renowned for its rich biodiversity, boasting a wide variety of marine life. This includes:

  • Whales and dolphins: The sea is home to several species of whales and dolphins, including sperm whales, pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and spinner dolphins.
  • Sea turtles: Seven species of sea turtles can be found in the Andaman Sea, including the green sea turtle, hawksbill turtle, and leatherback sea turtle.
  • Fish: The sea is home to a wide variety of fish species, including tuna, mackerel, grouper, snapper, and barracuda. The vibrant coral reefs also support a diverse range of reef fish.
  • Corals: The Andaman Sea is home to some of the most extensive and diverse coral reefs in the world. These reefs provide a vital habitat for many marine species.
  • Invertebrates: The sea is also home to a variety of invertebrates, including crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and squid.

Climate

The Andaman Sea has a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by a wet season and a dry season. The wet season runs from May to October, during which the sea receives heavy rainfall. The dry season runs from November to April, during which the sea is relatively calm and sunny. Water temperatures in the Andaman Sea are warm year-round, ranging from 26 to 30 degrees Celsius (79 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit).

Surrounding Countries

The Andaman Sea is bordered by the following countries:

  • Myanmar
  • Thailand
  • Indonesia (Sumatra island)