Mangrove vegetation: Three of the 10 known mangrove species dominate Florida's mangroves: red mangroves, black mangroves, and white mangroves. Red mangroves have dense roots and are found along coastal edges that face the sea. Black mangroves are most common in hammock wetlands and basin swamps. A mangrove understory contains mangrove ferns, but few other species can survive the shady, high salinity conditions.
Mangrove wildlife: While species diversity depends on the vegetation present, a wide diversity of wildlife is typical in mangrove ecosystems. Florida mangroves are home to 220 fish species, 181 bird species (including the Wood Stork, White Ibis, Roseate Spoonbill, cormorant, Brown Pelican, egrets, and herons), 24 reptile and amphibian species (including alligators, crocodiles, and turtles), and 18 mammal species (including bears, wildcats, pumas, and rats). Filter feeders (especially barnacles, coon oysters, and the eastern oyster) are prominent species in marsh swamps. They attach themselves to mangrove stems and prop roots because they filter organic material from the tide. Crabs are another important mangrove species, as they help maintain biodiversity. Crabs burrow in the sediments, prey on mangrove seedlings, facilitate litter decomposition, and help convert detritus energy to the ecosystem's birds and fish.
