Common lionfish

iNaturalist · CC0

The Red Sea's endemic Pterois miles is found along every section of Marsa Mubarak's fringing reef, typically hovering beneath coral ledges with its fanned pectoral fins spread in a combination of camouflage and predatory patience. Unlike the invasive Atlantic population, P. miles has co-evolved with Red Sea reef fish, which show natural avoidance behaviour. Their venomous dorsal spines make accidental contact the primary diving hazard at this otherwise beginner-friendly site.