Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) cruise in waters adjacent to mangrove roots
Mangrove roots provide an ecologically important habitat for a wide variety of fish
lagoon at back of the peninsularhouse, a favorite place for tarpon to bask
Location:
Morton Street,
Marathon,
Florida,
USA.
Accommodations: Private waterfront home
- 3
Bedrooms
- 2
Bathrooms
(Sleeps 8 )
Description: What are Mangroves? Mangroves are one of Florida's true natives. They thrive in salty environments because they are able to obtain fresh water from saltwater. Some secrete excess salt through their leaves, others block absorption of salt at their roots. Florida's estimated 469,000 acres of mangrove forests contribute to the overall health of the state's southern coastal zone. This ecosystem traps and cycles various organic materials, chemical elements, and important nutrients. Mangrove roots act not only as physical traps but provide attachment surfaces for various marine organisms. Many of these attached organisms filter water through their bodies and, in turn, trap and cycle nutrients. The relationship between mangroves and their associated marine life cannot be overemphasized. Mangroves provide protected nursery areas for fishes, crustaceans, and shellfish. They also provide food for a multitude of marine species such as snook, snapper, tarpon, jack, sheepshead, red drum, oyster, and shrimp. Florida's important recreational and commercial fisheries will drastically decline without healthy mangrove forests. Many animals find shelter either in the roots or branches of mangroves. Mangrove branches are rookeries, or nesting areas, for beautiful coastal birds such as brown pelicans and roseate spoonbills.
tarpon jumping after being hit
Attractions
& Activities: The fishes found in south Florida mangroves represent marine species present in the Florida Bay along with the inclusion of freshwater species. During the rainy season, the increased flow of freshwater results in the appearance of freshwater species. However, the majority of dry season species cannot survive in these low salinities and migrate to higher salinity areas offshore. Some marine species, such as snook (Centropomus undecimalis), prefer the lower salinity, remaining in the mangroves during the entire year. Mangrove roots provide an ecologically important habitat for a wide variety of fish. Jacks (Caranx spp.), sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus), grunts (Haemulon spp.), gobies (Gobiosoma spp.), schoolmasters (Lutjanus apodus), gray snappers (Lutjanus griseus), and small goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara) as well as many other species of fish can be found among the tangled roots of red mangroves. Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) cruise in waters adjacent to mangrove roots. The spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) also thrive in mangroves and can tolerate high turbidity, taking advantage of the prey fish in the mangroves and seagrass beds. The florida gar (Lepisosteus platyrhincus) is a top-level carnivore, feeding on a variety of smaller fishes. Mangroves are important nursery areas for the sport and commercial fishing industry. Gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus), spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus), and red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) are among the species that utilize the mangrove primarily as nursery areas. The mangrove roots and shallow waters offer shelter from predators until the juveniles reach a size large enough to avoid most predators. These three species mentioned above are highly prized by sport fishers. Lobsters are visible all year round but only can be picked starting in the Lobster Season which starts on August 6th each year.
a splendid bonefish caught fly fishing
Amenities:
Additional Amenities:
A secluded home wrapped around by a mangrove forest with abdundant wild life, a truly rare find yet within a short drive to busy Marathon and day trips to Key West.
the peninsularhouse toward the everglades national park
Parking:
Outdoor Area:
Additional Outdoorr
Area:
Rates:
(in US. Dollar)
2200
- 2200
per Week
(remainder 2010)
2200
- 3600
per Week
(2011)
Special notes :
Inquire for discounted rates in the Fall weeks, available in October/November. 2010**City of Marathon Lic. PLR2009-00323
Cats
Allowed: Pls. inquire
Dogs Allowed:
Pls. inquire
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Air Conditioning