Animals That Live in the Mangrove Swamp

Mangroves Back up:

Microorganisms
Algae
Invertebrates
Fish
Reptiles and Amphibians
Birds
Mammals

Microorganisms

Mangrove root and detritus. Photo © Richard Mieremet, NOAA

Mangroves are an important part of estuarine nutrient webs, producing big amounts of foliage litter. Leaves driblet from the mangrove trees and are quickly decomposed past fungi and bacteria. This decomposed matter is referred to as detritus which is flushed into the estuary by the outgoing tides. This provides a food source for marine life including economically of import shrimp, venereal, and fish.

An estimated 75% of the game fish and xc% of the commercial species in south Florida are dependent upon the mangrove organization during at least part of their life cycles.

Algae

Algae play a vital function in mangrove community food webs. Many organisms feed directly on micro and macroalgae that thrive within mangrove communities. The aerial root systems of mangrove trees provide a hard substrate for the zipper of epiphytic algae such as diatoms and blue-greenish algae. Phytoplankton is an of import component of mangrove systems. Species richness is dependent upon the chief source of water and salinity levels as well every bit seasonal and daily ecology fluctuations. The majority of phytoplankton is washed into the mangroves from adjacent areas, including open ocean, freshwater, and estuarine environments.

Marine diatoms. Photo © Prof. Gordon T. Taylor, Stony Brook University
Macroalgae. Photo © John Huisman

Invertebrates

Mangroves offering both hard and soft bottom habitats for a diversity of invertebrate life. The extensive root systems, muddy bottoms, and open waters are all domicile to invertebrates that are well adjusted to the temperature and salinity variations equally well as tidal influences mutual to mangroves. These invertebrates feed on leafage litter, detritus, plankton, and other small animals. Snails, barnacles, bryozoans, tunicates, mollusks, sponges, polychaete worms, isopods, amphipods, shrimps, venereal, and jellyfish all live either on or in close proximity to mangrove root systems.

Some invertebrates thrive in the mangrove canopy, of which the most arable are the crabs. The mangrove tree crab, Aratus pisoni, resides in the awning, feeding primarily on blood-red mangrove leaves. Other crabs live in the intertidal mud flats, utilizing leaf litter and detritus as a nutrient source.

Horseshoe crabs are scavengers and may be found amid mangroves feeding on algae, invertebrates, and dead organisms. They are particularly adapted to low oxygen waters, possessing upward to 200 book gills used for respiration.

Upside-down jellyfish. Photo © tools.coralreef.org
Barnacles. Photograph courtesy National Park Service
Horseshoe Crab. Photo © Cathleen Bester / Florida Museum
Mangrove tree crab. Photograph courtesy Southward Florida Water Management District
Moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita). Photo courtesy NOAA
Fiddler crab (Uca pugnax). Photo courtesy NOAA

Fish

Florida gar. Photo © George Burgess — Florida gar. Photograph © George Burgess

The fishes found in s Florida mangroves correspond marine species present in the Florida Bay along with the inclusion of freshwater species. During the rainy season, the increased flow of freshwater results in the appearance of freshwater species. However, the majority of dry season species cannot survive in these low salinities and drift to higher salinity areas offshore. Some marine species, such as snook (Centropomus undecimalis), prefer the lower salinity, remaining in the mangroves during the unabridged twelvemonth.

Schoolmaster. Photo © Eugene Weber, California Academy of Sciences — Schoolmaster. Photograph © Eugene Weber, California Academy of Sciences

Mangrove roots provide an ecologically important habitat for a broad variety of fish. Jacks (Caranx spp.), sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus), grunts (Haemulon spp.), gobies (Gobiosoma spp.), schoolmasters (Lutjanus apodus), gray snappers (Lutjanus griseus), and modest goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara) as well as many other species of fish tin can exist found among the tangled roots of red mangroves. Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) prowl in waters adjacent to mangrove roots. The spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) also thrive in mangroves and can tolerate high turbidity, taking reward of the prey fish in the mangroves and seagrass beds. The florida gar (Lepisosteus platyrhincus) is a top-level carnivore, feeding on a diverseness of smaller fishes.

Mangrove Snapper. Photo © Dr. Antonio J. Ferreira, California Academy of Sciences

Mangroves are important plant nursery areas for the sport and commercial fishing industry. Gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus), spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus), and red pulsate (Sciaenops ocellatus) are among the species that utilize the mangrove primarily as nursery areas. The mangrove roots and shallow waters offer shelter from predators until the juveniles accomplish a size large enough to avoid most predators. These three species mentioned to a higher place are highly prized past sport fishers. As mangrove habitats are destroyed, the sport and commercial fisheries reject equally a direct result.

Reptiles and Amphibians

American alligator. Photo courtesy South Florida Water Direction Commune
American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus). Photograph courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) and American crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) are both residents of mangrove habitats. The American alligator ranges throughout the southeastern U.S., and is found only in low salinity areas of Florida mangroves. On the other hand, the American crocodile is quite rare, relying heavily on mangrove habitats for their survival. In recent years, the range of this reptile has decreased considerably due to destruction of habitat and increase in deed within the Florida Keys. The American crocodile now occurs in the north Florida Bay and nearby swamps, as well every bit the due north end of Key Largo.

Nine species of snakes reside in the mangroves of Florida.

Species residing in mangroves include:

Mangrove water ophidian. Photo © Kenneth Krysko
Eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon coaris couperi). Photo courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Rough Greenish snake (Opheodrys aestivus carinatus). Photo courtesy U.S. Fish and Wild animals Service
Florida banded h2o ophidian (Nerodia fasciata pictiventris). Photo courtesy U.South. Section of Tranportation
Eastern cottonmouth. Photograph courtesy South Florida H2o Management District

mangrove h2o ophidian (Nerodia clarkii compressicauda)
Florida green water ophidian (Nerodia floridana)
rosy rat ophidian (Elaphe guttata rosacea)
Florida rex snake (Lampropeltis getula floridana)
Atlantic saltmarsh ophidian (Nerodia clarkii taeniata)

Anoles, including the green anole (Anolis carolinenesis), brown anole (Anolis sagrei), and the bark anole (Anolis distichus), reside in the copse within mangroves, feeding on insects.

Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis). Photo © Adam P. Summers, Museum of Vertebrate Zoology
Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei). Photo courtesy U.Due south. Geological Survey

Freshwater species of turtles are constitute virtually the headwaters of mangrove river systems. The ornate diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin macrospilota and One thousand. t. rhizophorarum) relies upon mangroves equally its main habitat along with three other species of freshwater turtles occur in mangroves. Also associated with mangrove vegetation during at least some point in their life histories are bounding main turtles. The loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and greenish sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) apply the mangroves as juvenile nurseries, receiving protection from predators as well as an surface area rich in nutrient. The green sea turtle and Hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) have been observed feeding on mangrove roots and associated submerged vegetation. The Atlantic ridley bounding main turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) is commonly observed in the mangrove-lined bays of south Florida.

Green Body of water Turtle (Chelonia mydas). Photo courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Loggerhead Sea Turtle © John White
Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). Photograph courtesy NOAA

Only three species of amphibians are known to occur in mangroves. This is due to the inability of osmoregulatation in saltwater as well as lack of detailed surveys in low salinity regions within mangrove systems. The occurrence of more amphibian species within this habitat is highly suspected, although unknown at this time.

Species known to occur in mangroves include:

Giant toad. Photo © Hugo Claessen
Squirrel Treefrog (Hyla squirella). Photo courtesy U.S. Geological Survey
The Cuban treefrog is an introduced species in south Florida courtesy Southward Florida H2o Management District

Birds

The mangroves of south Florida provide a habitat for many bird species. The shallow waters and exposed mudflats of the mangroves make this habitat platonic for probing shoreline birds such as plovers and sandpipers. Long-legged wading birds apply these and deeper waters forth mangrove-lined waterways. Herons, egrets, bitterns, spoonbills, limpkins, and ibis are among the wading birds that visit mangroves in search of food.

Dandy egret (Casmerodius albus). Photograph courtesy South Florida Water Management District
Roseate spoonbill. Photo courtesy U.Due south. Fish and Wildlife Service
Limpkin (Aramus guarauna). Photo courtesy Southward Florida Water Management Commune
American bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus). Photograph courtesy S Florida Water Management District
White ibis (Eudocimus albus). Photograph courtesy U.South. Fish and Wildlife Service
Great Blueish Heron (Ardea herodias). Photo courtesy South Florida H2o Management District
Yellowish-crowned Nighttime Heron (Nyctasnassa violacea). Photograph courtesy Due south Florida Water Management District
Canvasback (Aythya valisineria). Photograph courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) feed on crabs while the roseate spoonbill (Ajaia ajaja) preys on mollusks and other invertebrates living within the sediments. Yellow-crowned night herons (Nyctasnassa violacea) and American bitterns (Botaurus lentiginosus) feed on a diverseness of prey, including crabs, crayfish, frogs and mice too as small fishes. Mangroves too provide breeding habitat for wading birds. The entire Everglades population of the forest stork nests merely in mangroves.

Twenty-ix species of ducks, grebes, loons, cormorants, and gallinules have been observed in the mangrove habitats of south Florida. These floating/diving birds feed on fishes, plant materials, and invertebrates. Some of these waterfowl are twelvemonth round residents, while others occur during migration or equally winter visitors.

Species include:

Double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus). Photograph courtesy U.S. Geological Survey
Purple gallinule (Porphyrula martinica). Photo courtesy South Florida Water Management District
Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga). Photo courtesy U.Due south. Geological Survey
Brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis). Photograph Cathleen Bester / Florida Museum
Pintail (Anas acuta). Photo courtesy U.South. Geological Survey
Lesser scaup (Aythya affinis). Photo courtesy U.S. Geological Survey

Birds of prey include permanent residents, summer residents, and winter visitors of mangrove habitats. The southern bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus leucocephalus), osprey (Pandion haliaetus), and peregrine falcon (Falco columbarius) depend upon mangroves for their survival in south Florida. The bald eagle and osprey feed extensively on the fishes that occur in mangroves. These species also roost and nest within the mangrove tree awning.

Southern bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus leucocephalus). Photo courtesy South Florida Water Management District
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus). Photo courtesy NOAA
Peregrine falcon (Falco columbarius). Photo courtesy S Florida H2o Direction District
Barred owl (Strix varia). Photo courtesy South Florida Water Management Commune
Swell horned owl (Bubo virginianus). Photograph courtesy National Park Service
American kestrel (Falco sparverius). Photo courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Reddish-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis). Photo courtesy Bureau of State Management
Blackness vulture (Coragyps atratus). Photograph courtesy South Florida Water Direction Commune
Turkey vulture (Cathartes aureola). Photo courtesy South Florida Water Management District

Other birds of casualty that frequent mangrove systems include:

Cooper's hawk (Accipter cooperii)
marsh hawk (Circus cyaneus)

Mammals

Carnivores residing in the mangroves of south Florida include:

Florida panther (Felis concolor). Photograph courtesy South Florida H2o Management District
Striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis). Photo courtesy National Park Service
Raccoon (Procyon lotor). Photo courtesy U.Southward. Geological Survey
River otter (Lutra canadensis). Photo courtesy National Park Service
Bobcat (Lynx rufus). Photo courtesy U.S. Fish and Wild fauna Service

greyness fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), not shown
black acquit (Ursus americanus), non shown

The Florida panther is rarely observed, however most of the contempo sightings accept been within the everglades mangrove systems. Only 50-60 panthers remain in Florida – the greatest threat to this critically endangered true cat is habitat destruction. Littoral hammocks and mangroves are vital for the continued survival of this panther.

Other mammals residing in these areas include:

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Photograph courtesy U.S. Geological Survey
Opossum (Didelphis virginiana). Photo courtesy National Park Service
Marsh rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris). Photo courtesy National Park Service

fundamental deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium), not shown
cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus), not shown
marsh rice rat (Oryzomys palustris), non shown
silver rice rat (O. argentatus), not shown

Marine mammals found along mangrove-lined waterways include bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and manatees (Trichechus manatus). Dolphins feed on fishes associated with mangrove systems. As an herbivore, the manatee feeds on seagrasses and other submerged aquatic plants found outside mangroves. However, manatees are often observed swimming in canals, coastal rivers, and other waters close in proximity to mangroves.

Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Photo courtesy NOAA
Manatee (Trichechus manatus). Photo courtesy U.S. Geological Survey

Glossary terms on page:

detritus: Expressionless or decomposable organic matter.
estuary: expanse where freshwater meets the body of water, creating a salinity slope from pure freshwater (0 ppt) to full-strength seawater (35 ppt).
substrate: the material upon or within an organism lives or grows, including soil, plants, animals and rocks.
epiphytic: any organisms that grow on the blades of seagrasses, including algae, diatoms, and other encrusting organisms.
phytoplankton: microscopic plants that depend upon water currents for transportation, primary producers in aquatic environments.
plankton: organisms dependent on h2o move and currents as their ways of transportation, including phytoplankton, zooplankton, and ichthyoplankton.
salinity: concentration of total salts dissolved in water, usually measured in parts per thousand.
variety: refers to the variety of species inside a given association, areas of high diversity are characterized by a neat variety of species.
polychaete: class of annelid worms that includes bristle and feather duster worms.
awning: uppermost layer of branches in a woods.
intertidal: the area also known every bit the littoral zone which is covered by h2o during high tide and exposed at low tide.
turbidity: measurement of water clarity, turbidity increases when more light is scattered by particles suspended in the water.
population: a grouping of interacting individuals of the same species, expanse, or customs.
plant eater: an animate being that feeds on plants.