The only life forms that can survive in the Dead Sea are certain microorganisms, especially halophilic (salt-loving) microbes like Haloferax volcanii. No fish, plants, or other larger animals live in the hyper-salty water. However, near freshwater springs at the bottom of the Dead Sea, various bacteria, algae, cyanobacteria, and fungi can be found. Around the Dead Sea region itself, many animals live on land, such as ibexes, foxes, wolves, and various birds, but none inside the salty water.

Life Inside the Dead Sea

• The high salinity prevents macroscopic aquatic life such as fish and aquatic plants from living in it.
• Haloferax volcanii is one microbe uniquely adapted to the extreme salty environment of the Dead Sea.
• Sometimes algae like Dunaliella can bloom when freshwater influx reduces salinity temporarily, turning parts of the sea red.
• Freshwater springs at the bottom emit fresher water supporting biofilms of green photosynthetic bacteria and sulfide-oxidizing bacteria.

Life Around the Dead Sea

• Various mammals including ibexes, hyraxes, foxes, wolves, and occasional hyenas inhabit the surrounding areas.
• Birds, insects, and some desert invertebrates live near the shores and surrounding deserts.
• Invertebrates like certain snails adapted to dry conditions can be found nearby.

In summary, life in the Dead Sea water is limited to specialized microorganisms, while its surrounding ecosystem supports a variety of terrestrial animals and plants adapted to the desert environment.