Alongside coral reefs and tropical rainforests, mangroves are among the most productive ecosystems on earth. Reptiles and mammals live in the canopy of the mangrove forest. Many water birds take advantage of the rich food supply and nest in the treetops. The dense root system of the mangroves offers a large number of organisms in a small space a large number of tiny habitats.
The roots offer a safe habitat for many fish, mussels and crabs and the best conditions for the larvae and young animals of many species. Snails, algae, oysters, barnacles and sponges live on the wooden roots of the trees. Pistol crabs and fish live in deeper water