Marine & AlgaeIntermediate☀️ Full sun
Red mangrove
Rhizophora mangle · also called Red mangrove, American mangrove, Mangrove propagule, Rhizophora
Generally non-toxic to cats and dogs.
The red mangrove is a true vascular tree, not an alga, grown from a torpedo-shaped propagule in marine and brackish aquariums and refugiums for natural nutrient export and a unique emersed display. It removes nitrate and phosphate slowly through its roots while its leaves grow above the waterline.
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Quick facts
| Category | Marine & Algae |
| Family | Rhizophoraceae |
| Native origin | Tropical and subtropical coasts of the Americas, West Africa, and Pacific islands - estuaries, lagoons, and intertidal zones |
| Care difficulty | Intermediate |
| Light | Full sun |
| Pet toxicity | Pet-safe |
Light
Needs very strong light - effectively full-sun-equivalent. Use a powerful plant/LED grow light or daylight-spectrum fixture directly above the emersed foliage; weak light gives leggy, etiolated growth. This is a high-light canopy plant despite rooting in saltwater.
Water
Tolerant of a wide range: full marine (salinity ~1.025 SG) down to brackish and even fresh, temperature 24-28 C (75-82 F), pH 8.0-8.4 in reef systems. Excretes salt through its leaves. Nutrient export is real but slow - mangroves are a supplement, not a replacement, for skimming/macroalgae. No CO2 needed.
Soil & potting
Rooted vascular plant. The propagule can be suspended so only the lower tip sits in the water (roots grow into the water column/sump), or planted into a deep sand/mud bed or live rock rubble where roots anchor. In a refugium it is often held in place by rock with roots dangling into the water. Salt crystals on leaves should be rinsed off periodically.
Environment — humidity, temperature, placement
Grows EMERSED - roots and propagule base submerged, stem and leaves in the air above the tank or sump. No CO2 needed. Gentle flow around the roots. Placed in a sump/refugium or an open-top display where the foliage has room and strong overhead light. Needs occasional misting/rinsing of leaves to clear excreted salt.
Propagation
Propagated from the seedling 'propagule' (a long pencil-like live seed that drops from mature trees); the blunt root end is placed in water/substrate and it sprouts roots and leaves. Cuttings are unreliable - propagules are the standard method. Growth is slow.
Toxicity detail
Safe and beneficial in marine/brackish systems; non-toxic to fish, corals, and inverts. Note that wild mangroves are legally protected habitat in many regions (e.g. Florida, where trimming/removal is regulated) - harvesting wild propagules or transplanting can be restricted, so buy aquacultured stock. Not invasive within its native range, but introduced mangroves are invasive in places like Hawaii; check local rules before collecting or moving them.
Growth stages
How this plant changes through its life — each stage often has its own care, diet and space needs.
Sources
- Rhizophora mangle (Red Mangrove) - Wikipedia (encyclopedia)
- Keeping Mangroves in the Reef Aquarium / Refugium - Reef2Reef (care guide)