Anemone City, Sharm El Sheikh: Red Sea's Clownfish Metropolis

Anemone City greets you with a wide reef shoulder, a geological extension that juts out from the majestic wall of Ras Mohammed. As you descend, the topography unfolds, revealing a gently sloping plateau that bottoms out at approximately 20 metres. The very shape of this shoulder acts as a natural magnet for marine life, particularly influenced by the prevalent currents that sweep across this exposed face.

The defining feature of Anemone City, and indeed its namesake, is the truly staggering abundance of anemones. Far from a scattered few, these pulsating hosts carpet vast sections of the reef in the shallower zones. This density creates an unparalleled living tapestry, providing shelter and sustenance for the site's most celebrated inhabitants.

Within the protective embrace of these anemones, hundreds of clownfish (Amphiprioninae) establish their territories. You'll find entire families bustling within single host anemones, their vibrant orange and white contrasting against the flowing tentacles. This close relationship and sheer numbers make Anemone City an exceptional location for underwater photographers seeking to capture intimate portraits of these charismatic fish.

When the current intensifies, Anemone City truly comes alive with pelagic action. Large schools of jacks (Carangidae) sweep in from the open water, patrolling the edge of the reef shoulder, often presenting a dramatic underwater spectacle. Their streamlined forms move in synchronicity, offering a potent contrast to the more static, colourful life closer to the reef.

Navigating Anemone City often means understanding the flow of water. The site is characterised by potentially strong currents, particularly when the jacks make their appearance. This dynamic environment, while challenging for some, is precisely what enriches the dive, bringing nutrients and attracting the larger predators that frequently sweep through the area.

This reef shoulder offers a diverse profile beyond just the anemone fields. While the pinnacle of activity is often in the shallower depths, exploring the full extent of the shoulder to its 20-metre maximum provides further opportunities to observe resident reef fish and perhaps other opportunistic visitors drawn in by the current and the rich ecosystem.