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Aquarium
Care Information |
Scientific Name: Rhizophora
Mangle
Common Name: Red Mangrove
Origin: Gulf
of Mexico, Atlantic, Caribbean
Depth Collected: low
tide zone
Maximum Height : 80'
Growth Rate: Slow
Light: High
Temperature: 60-100
Propagation: Rhizomes,
Seeds
Difficulty: Easy Food Value:
None Nutrient Uptake:
Fair once established Flow Rate:
Low
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The
red mangrove features expansive branches of aerial roots that are
arched above the water line to provide the plant with oxygen
before entering the water. These prop roots provide the plant with
stability in sandy substrate and help to gather oxygen for
underground parts of the plant. Many colorful invertebrates, as
well as sponges and algae, colonize the roots in the coastal
habitats where they grow. The red mangrove is by far the most
important species, due to its ability to prevent erosion by
actually building land structures and miniature islands over time.
Mature trees can reach heights of up to 80 feet. In the aquarium
it is very hardy and only requires minimal care once
established. The pencil shaped seeds can be inserted and floated
in small pieces of styrofoam, staked to the substrate with dowels
or pvc pipe, or simply planted so that the leaves are above the water
line. The leaves should be periodically sprayed with fresh
water to remove salt deposits. All mangroves are slow growing in
the aquarium and are not as efficient at removing nutrients as
algae and sea grasses are. However, they have their place in the
hobby as an interesting and functional part of a marine ecosystem.
The red mangrove is readily available to the aquarist as both a
seed and seedling from various marine life collectors and
nurseries. 
