Algae

Algae play a vital role 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 attachment of epiphytic algae such as diatoms and blue-green algae. Phytoplankton is an important component of mangrove systems. Species richness is dependent upon the primary source of water and salinity levels as well as seasonal and daily environmental fluctuations. The majority of phytoplankton is washed into the mangroves from adjacent areas, including open ocean, freshwater, and estuarine environments.