Importance of coastal vegetated habitats for tropical marine fishes in the Red Sea

Abstract Marine vegetated habitats such as seagrass, mangroves, and macroalgae are common along tropical coastlines globally provide for a diversity of fishes, including juvenile fish species found on coral reefs. Understanding the use these by different life stages is fundamental to spatial planning, fisheries management, conservation. While previous studies have focused habitat potential macroalgae, or mangroves reef independently, it important consider their combined roles, seascapes often mosaics habitats. In this study, we evaluated associations across in reefs, seagrasses, Saudi Arabia’s central Red Sea. Through situ visual surveys, documented 36% local one more habitats, with fraction utilizing seagrass much greater than that (29%, 18%, 6%, respectively). Mangroves hosted mainly (83% observed population) largest proportion herbivores (39% population), suggesting each environment offers combinations resources (food shelter), mix could support biological connectivity seascape. Species targeted made up 37% The multiple types commercially fishes Sea underscores need holistic approach protection. Graphical abstract