Diversity of fish in the Kingdom
An approximate number of 1280 of species of fish were recorded in the Red Sea waters, and about 542 species in the Arabian Gulf. 44 species of sharks have been recorded in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. The number of commercial fish species reaches 180 in the Red Sea and 110 in the Arabian Gulf. Overfishing has led to the endangerment of at least three species, increased global demand for butterfly and angel fish is threatening these species, sharks are also under pressure to trade.
The fresh inland water environment contains seven species of freshwater fish, of which five are endemic belonging to the family Cyprinidae, in addition to another species (Aphanius dispar), that belongs to the family Cyprinodontidae, which is a widespread species.
