mangroves

Found along tropical coastlines, thick mangrove forests were once considered a nuisance, infested with mosquitoes and blocking the coasts. But now we know that mangroves are crucial to coastal ecosystems. The mangrove tree's unique ability to put down roots at the ocean's edge creates homes for hundreds of other species. Young fish and shrimp find shelter among the trees' tangled roots.

Image credits: main image, courtesy of OAR, National Undersea Research Program.