The More You Know: Mangroves

There's more that lies beneath the surface of these gravity-defying habitats!

Places
2 min
Ripley's Aquariums
Ripley's Aquariums
The More You Know: Mangroves
All stories
Places

These gravity-defying trees are home to both aquatic and land-dwelling animals!

Mangrove Trees

Mangroves are identified by their thick, tangled roots that extend far above the surface of slow-moving bodies of water. It’s this clump of roots that stabilizes the sediment underneath and helps protect the coastline by preventing erosion due to wave action. Mangrove forests have even been credited with reducing the coastal destruction caused by tsunamis!

Mangrove Trees

Mangrove trees have adapted to survive in stagnant, oxygen-poor salt water—an environment inhospitable to most plants and trees. They also have a remarkable ability to store atmospheric carbon dioxide, and greatly help in combating climate change.

Mangrove Tree

Their intricate root systems provide a sheltered habitat for many species of fish, one of which is the banded archerfish. Famous for their ability to spit high-powered jet streams of water from their mouths, the tangled roots provide concealment from unsuspecting insect prey!

Mudskippers also call mangroves home. Strong lobe fins allow them to ‘walk’ on land and grab onto mangrove roots for shelter! Their unique ability to breathe through their skin and store water in their gill chambers provides the foundation for a more terrestrial life.

Mangrove Tree

Aside from the species that reside in mangroves permanently, there are those just swimming by for a short period of time. Several species of sharks and rays are known to rely on mangroves as nurseries for their offspring.

Despite their resilience, mangroves have continued to disappear over the years. With over 35% of the world’s mangrove forests already gone and more expected to vanish in the future, many species may find themselves without their vitally important habitat. By spreading the word about the importance of these unique habitats, you can help strengthen the movement to protect them for generations to come!

About The Author

Ripley's Aquariums

Ripley's Aquariums

As soon as you step into a Ripley’s Aquarium, with its whimsical and lively atmosphere, you know you…

By this author

The Most Haunted Places in the World

The Most Haunted Places in the World

Treasure Buried Under Portland, Oregon? You Decide!

Treasure Buried Under Portland, Oregon? You Decide!

Unique Halloween Traditions Around the World

Unique Halloween Traditions Around the World

Read All Their Stories

Or Explore Our Categories

Have an Amazing Story?

At Ripley’s, we’re always in search of the unbelievable – maybe it’s you! Show us your talents. Tell us a strange story or a weird fact. Share your unbelievable art with us. Maybe even sell us something that could become a part of Ripley’s collection!

Have an Amazing Story?

Read More Ripley's

Get lost in a vortex of weird and wonderful stories! Ripley’s twenty-first edition annual book is full of all-new, all-true stories from around the world.

Dare to Discover book
Buy Now
Swirling Pinstripe backdrop
Ripley's Cartoon of the Day

December 23, 2024

Cartoon of the Day

A genetic mutation called callipyge gives sheep unusually large butts!

Ripley's Cartoon of the Day

Robert Ripley began the Believe It or Not! cartoon in 1918. Today, Kieran Castaño is the eighth artist to continue the legacy of illustrating the world's longest-running syndicated cartoon!