Coral communities and coral-bivalve associations in the northern Red Sea at Safaga, Egypt

The reefs near Safaga, Egypt, are built mainly by coral species of Porites and Acropora. These genera are in general important for the formation of coral communities and reef structures. While Montipora orPavona are also species rich, their mean colony size is too small for a substantial role in the build-up of carbonate mass. Yet as a host coral,Montipora is more important thanPorites; both may accommodate the pectinid Pedum and certain species of mytilid Lithophaga. Such associations appear to be typical for specific reef areas and to be correlated to the food supply of the bivalves. These findings can be used for an actuopaleontological interpretation of the fossil situation. In addition to the frequency of occurrence, factors such as the growth form, growth rate, skeletal density and lifespan of corals are essential in determining their share in reef construction.