Shallow rocky reefs are bright sunlit reefs that grow on hard rocky seabeds. In Mediterranean, these shallow reefs are found at sunlit depths usually between 1 and 30 m. They occur on rocky areas that are not productive or cold enough for kelp forests but too cool and low in nutrients for corals. The underlying rock structure provides a point of attachment for seaweeds, aglae and invertebrates (animals without backbones) like sponges, anemones, soft corals, sea fans and sea squirts). These shallow assemblages host colorful and diverse communities of fish and other animals.