1. The Red Sea: Environmental gradients shape a natural laboratory in a nascent ocean -- 2. Environmental Setting for Reef Building in the Red Sea -- 3. Ecophysiology of reef-building corals in the Red Sea -- 4. Microbial Communities of Red Sea Coral Reefs -- 5. Symbiodinium diversity in Red Sea coral reefs & coral bleaching -- 6. Sponges of the Red Sea -- 7. Corals of the Red Sea. - 8. Fishes and connectivity of Red Sea coral reefs.This volume is a complete review and reference work for scientists, engineers, and students concerned with coral reefs in the Red Sea. It provides an up-to-date review on the geology, ecology, and physiology of coral reef ecosystems in the Red Sea, including data from most recent molecular studies. The Red Sea harbours a set of unique ecological characteristics, such as high temperature, high alkalinity, and high salinity, in a quasi-isolated environment. This makes it a perfect laboratory to study and understand adaptation in regard to the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. This book can be used as a general reference, guide, or textbook.