Category: Mangroves

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.

Laguncularia racemosa

The white mangrove is usually found further inland of the red and black mangroves and is the most cold-sensitive of the mangroves. The white mangrove features a pair of nodular, salt-excreting glands found near the tip of each leaf stalk and a series of blackish glands between the middle vein. The seeds or fruit of the white mangrove are round and the flowers are white. One of the distinguishing characteristics are the rounded leaves that feature a notched tip. Unlike both red & black mangroves, white mangroves lack specialized aerial roots, though under certain conditions may produce a few “peg roots” similar to those of the black mangrove. Flowering is in spring and early summer. Because of the lack of breathing tubes or aerial roots, the white mangrove is difficult to grow in the marine aquarium. Some have had success with simply floating collected seed pods, but the plant normally dies as its roots can not be submersed long term. Its only suited for biotopes that allow for the root system to be partially above the water line.

Scientific Name: Laguncularia racemosa

Common Name: White Mangrove

Origin: Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic, Caribbean

Depth Collected: low tide zone

Maximum Height : 60′

Growth Rate: Slow

Light: High

Temperature: 65-100

Propagation: Rhizomes, Seeds

Difficulty: Advanced

Food Value: None

Nutrient Uptake: Fair once established

Flow Rate: Low

Rhizophora mangle

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.

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


Aviennia germinns

The black mangrove features wide spreading, below ground roots with hundreds of slender, brown, pencil shaped breathing tubes that emerge vertically from the substrate to about a foot high . These are known as pneumatophores and they collect oxygen for the submerged roots. Black mangroves typically grow higher above the low-tide mark than both red and white mangroves so that their breathing tubes are never completely submersed in water. Mature trees can reach heights of up to 70 feet tall. Because of their submersed root system they are not good candidates for use in the marine aquarium. As with the white mangrove, they can be grown in specific aquarium biotopes if elevated in substrate above the water line.

Scientific Name: Aviennia germinns

Common Name: Black Mangrove

Origin: Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic, Caribbean

Depth Collected: low tide zone

Maximum Height : 70′

Growth Rate: Slow

Light: High

Temperature: 65-100

Propagation: Rhizomes, Seeds

Difficulty: Moderate

Food Value: None

Nutrient Uptake: Fair once established

Flow Rate: Low