There
are about 60 known species of mangroves world wide, with just
three true varieties native to the United States. They are the red
mangrove (Rhizophora Mangle), white mangrove (Laguncularia
Racemosa) and black mangrove (Avicennia Germinans). Most
mangrove specimens find their way into the aquarium trade by the
collection of seeds or pods or by propagation on land. Of the
three varieties, only one is really suitable for use in the marine
aquarium, the red mangrove. The white mangrove
is not a good candidate for use in the aquarium,
because it does not form aerial roots as the others do and usually
can not survive
very long with the roots completely submersed.
In their natural environment, black mangroves typically grow
upland behind the red,
while the white mangrove is often found at even higher elevations. The black mangrove does form breathing tubes,
however, propagation in the
aquarium can be difficult from seed, unless initially grown
above the water line. |
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