Mangroves in the Caribbean play a crucial role in boosting the number of fish on nearby coral reefs. By acting as a nursery for young fish, mangroves help increase the survival of these marine creatures. The presence of mangroves significantly affects the types of fish found on coral reefs, with some species seeing their biomass more than double when connected to mangrove habitats. The removal of mangroves can lead to the local extinction of important fish species like Scarus guacamaia. Protecting mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of these ecosystems.