Multi-taxa coral reef community structure in relation to habitats in the Baa Atoll Man and Biosphere UNESCO Reserve (Maldives), and implications for its conservation

► Relationship between multi-taxa community and habitats are examined for Baa Atoll (Maldives). ► 949 species (178 macroalgae, 173 corals, 121 hydroids, 351 fish and 189 invertebrates) were sampled. ► The rarity was dominant. ► Species composition difference per station was not be clearly related to habitat characteristics. ► Conservation strategies based on species representation needs to account for rarity.