Mekong Mangrove Food Web
Mangrove
Mangroves
Mekong Delta, Southern Vietnam
Description
The Mekong Delta mangroves in southern Vietnam form a critical buffer between freshwater river channels and the South China Sea. These mangroves support intensive shrimp and fish aquaculture alongside wild fisheries. Mangrove reforestation programs are restoring food web complexity after Agent Orange defoliation during the Vietnam War.
Trophic Pyramid
Level 5
Decomposers
Sesarmid crabs
Mangrove fungi
Bacteria
3 species
Level 4
Tertiary Consumers
Estuarine crocodile
Brahminy kite
2 species
Level 3
Secondary Consumers
Water monitor
Little egret
Mangrove snake
3 species
Level 2
Primary Consumers
Mud skipper
Penaeid shrimp
Mangrove snails
3 species
Level 1
Producers
Rhizophora mangroves
Mangrove leaf detritus
Benthic algae
3 species
Apex Predators
Tertiary Consumers
Secondary Consumers
Primary Consumers
Producers
Key Interactions
- Mudskippers are amphibious fish that defend territories and forage on exposed mudflats
- Sesarmid crabs consume up to 75% of mangrove leaf fall, accelerating nutrient cycling
- Mangrove reforestation increases fish nursery habitat and coastal storm protection
- Shrimp pond conversion of mangroves reduces wild fishery productivity downstream