One denizen of this captivating environment, the mangrove tree crab (Aratus pisonii), is of particular interest. It lives in the tops of mangrove trees, especially red mangrove, and eats mangrove leaves and large insects. Flocks of several types of egrets and herons descend into the tops of trees to prey on these small crustaceans, thus creating general panic. Some of the fleeing crabs run down the trunk, but others leap from tree to tree, and many fall into the water, only to be gobbled up by the waiting jaws of hungry fish. A general feeding frenzy ensues for both birds and fish.
