Reeflings

Common name: Red Mangrove

Scientific name: Tricleocarpa cylindrica Huisman & Borowitzka, 1990 (J.Ellis & Solander)

General information

The Red Mangrove, Rhizophora mangle, is a distinctive plant species known for its unique root system that extends both above and below the waterline. These roots, often referred to as 'prop roots' or 'stilt roots', provide stability in the shifting substrates of the mangrove's natural habitat. The Red Mangrove is not only important in the wild for coastal protection and habitat creation but is also valued in the aquarium trade for its ability to absorb nutrients and provide a natural aesthetic.

Aquarists may also encounter the term 'mangrove propagule', which refers to the seedlings of mangroves that are adapted to float and disperse in the water before taking root. In the aquarium setting, these propagules can be grown into mature mangrove plants.

Details

Salinity
S.G. 1.022 to 1.025
Temperature
24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Care level
Easy Prefers moderate water flow

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Plants
    Plantae
  2. Phylum
    Red Algae
    Rhodophyta
  3. Class
    Red Algae
    Florideophyceae
  4. Order
    Red Algae
    Nemaliales
  5. Family
    Galaxaura
    Galaxauraceae
  6. Genus
    Hairy Red Algae
    Tricleocarpa
  7. Species
    Red Mangrove
    Tricleocarpa cylindrica Huisman & Borowitzka, 1990 (J.Ellis & Solander)
  8. Synonyms
    Corallina cylindrica J.Ellis & Solander, 1786
    Galaxaura conglutinata Kjell., 1900
    Galaxaura cyclindrica J.V.Lamouroux (Solander)
    Galaxaura cylindrica J.V.Lamouroux, 1821 (J.Ellis & Solander)
    Galaxaura fastigiata Decaisne, 1842
    Galaxaura schimperi Decaisne, 1842
    Halysium cylindricum Kützing, 1843 (J.Ellis & Solander)

Care

In the home aquarium, Red Mangroves require strong lighting to mimic the intense sunlight of their natural habitat. They can be planted in sand or attached to rockwork, but their roots must be submerged in water to ensure proper growth. It's essential to provide them with a mix of fresh and saltwater or to regularly spray their leaves with fresh water to mimic the rain that would wash off salt in their natural environment.

Mangroves are slow growers but can eventually become quite large, so it's important to consider the long-term space requirements when adding them to an aquarium.

Symbiosis

While not hosting a wide range of symbiotic relationships like corals or anemones, Red Mangroves do provide shelter and breeding grounds for various fish and invertebrates in the wild. In an aquarium, their complex root systems can offer hiding places for shy species and breeding grounds for small fish and invertebrates.

Habitat

Red Mangroves are typically found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They thrive along coastlines in brackish water environments where freshwater meets the sea. In the aquarium, they can adapt to a range of salinities but prefer conditions that closely resemble their natural habitat.