III. Mangroves as a Habitat
Mangroves provide a home for many organisms, not only aquatic. All of the different organisms that are found in the mangrove areas are all labeled as being euryhaline-able to withstand wide variations of salinity. Oysters are abundant in these areas. They attach themselves to the roots of the mangroves by hook-like projections from their shells. The raccoons of the Florida Everglades and the crown conch shell eat these oysters. Fiddler crabs run around the mangrove areas during low tide eating plant debris. When the tide returns, they run back to their burrows that they make in the mud. The males have a large claw that they use for communication and defense. The opposite partner has a relatively small claw.