Gulf of Aqaba

The Gulf of Aqaba, also known as the Gulf of Eilat, is a northeastern arm of the Red Sea, situated between the Sinai Peninsula and the Arabian Peninsula. This narrow, deep gulf is famed for its diverse marine life, crystal-clear waters, and stunning coral reefs. The gulf’s unique geographical location and natural beauty have made it a popular destination for diving, snorkeling, and other water sports.

Peacock wrasse – Iniistius pavo

Decorated goby – Istigobius decoratus

Pallid rockskipper – Istiblennius unicolor

Rippled rockskipper – Istiblennius edentulus

Yellowpatch razorfish – Iniistius melanopus

Fivefinger wrasse – Iniistius pentadactylus

Acoel Flatworm – Waminoa brickneri

Royal Tile Starfish, Ghardaqa Sea Star – Fromia ghardaqana

Knob Coral – Favites rotundata

Delicate Tube Worm – Filogranella elatensis

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Geography and Geology

The Gulf of Aqaba stretches approximately 160 kilometers (100 miles) in length and averages 26 kilometers (16 miles) in width. Its northern tip is marked by the city of Aqaba, Jordan, while its southern end meets the Red Sea near the Straits of Tiran. The gulf's deepest point, located near the Straits of Tiran, reaches a depth of over 1,850 meters (6,070 feet), making it one of the deepest water bodies in the world.

Geologically, the Gulf of Aqaba is a rift valley formed by the movement of tectonic plates. The Arabian Plate is moving away from the African Plate, creating a gap that has been filled by seawater. The resulting geological formations have created a unique environment for marine life and contributed to the gulf's extraordinary beauty.

Fauna

The Gulf of Aqaba is renowned for its diverse and abundant marine life. Its warm, clear waters provide an ideal habitat for a wide variety of species, including:

  • Coral reefs: The gulf boasts some of the most vibrant and healthy coral reefs in the world, home to over 1,200 species of fish.
  • Fish: The waters teem with numerous fish species, including butterflyfish, parrotfish, angelfish, clownfish, and sharks.
  • Marine mammals: Dolphins, whales, and dugongs can also be spotted in the gulf's waters.
  • Invertebrates: The gulf is home to a wide variety of invertebrates, including sea urchins, starfish, and crustaceans.

Surrounding Countries

The Gulf of Aqaba is bordered by four countries:

  • Jordan: The city of Aqaba is Jordan's only port on the Red Sea.
  • Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia's coastline along the gulf is relatively undeveloped.
  • Egypt: The Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh is a major tourist destination on the Sinai Peninsula.
  • Israel: The Israeli city of Eilat is a popular tourist destination and a major port.

Climate

The Gulf of Aqaba enjoys a warm, arid climate with high levels of sunshine year-round. The water temperature remains comfortable for swimming and water sports throughout the year, typically ranging from 20 to 28 degrees Celsius (68 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit).

Environmental Concerns

Despite its natural beauty and ecological importance, the Gulf of Aqaba faces a number of environmental challenges, including pollution from coastal development, overfishing, and climate change. These factors threaten the delicate balance of the gulf's ecosystem and could lead to the decline of its unique marine life.