Studies on the Indo-Pacific Tridacnidae ( Tridacna maxima) from the Northern Red Sea, Egypt

Abstract

In Egypt, Tridacna Maxima are found in Gulf of Suez, Gulf of Aqaba and Red Sea. Tridacna Maxima are very important ecological species as seafood source and as a substrate for reef-associated organisms; therefore we should protect it from extinction. Recently, these species are exposed for many factors of pollution (human activities, tourism and natural resources) that affect the distribution and abundance of it. The main objective of this research is to shed some light on the origin, stratigraphic position, systematic palaeontology and geographic distribution of Tridacna Maxima. In addition to their ecologic and environmental conditions were discussed. Finally, a proposed rules for protection these species from extinction were listed. Individuals of Tridacna Maxima were collected from different sites along the red Sea coast.