Brackishwater Plants and Algae
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Mangrove swamp, home to many brackishwater species and marine fish juveniles. Pruned or "bonsai" mangrove trees are becoming popular plants in home aquariums and refugium systems. Photograph courtesy NOAA
Aquatic Plants
Division Magnoliophyta
Flowering Plants
- Number of Living Species: 230,000 (a fraction of a percent are marine).
- Common Characteristics of seagrasses & mangroves: marine plants with the same basic structure as terrestrial flowering plants; adapted to saline water; able to grow when submerged; anchoring system to withstand wave action and tidal currents; water-pollinated.
Algae
Division Chlorophyta
Green Algae
Number of Living Species: 9,000-12,000, about 10 percent marine.
Common Characteristics: contain chlorophylls a and b; starch stored inside chloroplast.
Division Chromophyta
Diatoms, Golden Algae, Brown Algae, Kelps
- Number of Living Species: 18,000, freshwater and marine.
- Common Characteristics: most contain chlorophyll a; carotenoids present; starch stored outside chloroplast.
From: Reef Life by Denise Nielsen Tackett
Editor's Note: More Brackishwater Plants coming soon.
Brackishwater BioGroups Plants and Algae families:
Brackishwater Plants and Algae
Reference: 101 Best Aquarium Plants