Pupil lesson
Why do young fish shelter among mangrove roots?
Read, think and draw. Use paper or a document provided by your teacher. You do not need an account or to send personal details to KEO.
Read and wonder
Some trees grow where tides rise and fall. Mangroves live along tropical and subtropical coasts. Many have tangled roots visible above the mud or water.
Spaces between the roots offer shelter and food for fish and other animals. Roots slow moving water, allowing sediment to settle. This helps stabilise the coastline and can reduce erosion. Mangroves do not stop every flood or storm. Protecting the forest means looking after the water, soil and living things around it.
Three things to know
- Mangroves grow along warm coasts affected by tides.
- Roots provide shelter for many animals.
- Roots slow water and help reduce erosion.
- Tidal water passes through roots
- Water slows and sediment settles
- Roots and sediment help stabilise the coast
Words to explore
- Tide
- The regular rise and fall of sea level.
- Erosion
- The wearing away and movement of soil or rock.
Think it through
1. Where do mangroves grow?
2. How can tangled roots help a small fish?
3. Do mangroves prevent all coastal flooding?
Try it
Draw a mangrove root maze with two animals sheltering. Add arrows showing water between the roots.
Sources and credits
Lesson summary and activity prepared for Kids.Earth.Org. Factual sources checked 5 November 2026.