Distribution of seaweeds in Mangrove forests

Many of the mangrove forests are characterized by macroalgae growing epiphytically on pneumatophores, prop roots, stems and other hard substrates. Mangrove macroalgae have an important role as primary producers in the estuarine ecosystem. In the present study, four different mangrove habitats were selected to identify the macroalgae inhabiting the roots of a mangrove species Avicennia marina in the Iranian coastlines of Persian Gulf. Field observations identified no epiphytic macroalgae on the roots of A. marina. Previous studies show that mangrove maroalgae exist only in the estuary habitats with fresh water entrance. Therefore, the absence of  macroalgae on Iran's mangrove forests is likely due to high salinity in these areas. Moreover, the possibility of chemical defense and allelopathic reactions of mangroves can be investigated.