Seagrasses provide an important habitat for other animals, including the young of fish species and prawns and crabs.
Common name: Seagrass or Eelgrass
Scientific name: Zostera capricorni
Photo: M. Ricketts
Seagrasses are like plants on the land with roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruits. In what ways are they important in the environments where they are found?
Coastal water
Seagrass
Seagrass or Eelgrass has long thin green leaves. Leaves can grow to 50 cm long. Leaves are 2 cm - 5 cm wide.
Seagrass is an important habitat for many animals including Pipefish.
Seagrass beds are found along the east coast of Australia. Seagrasses grow in coastal lagoons and rivers, in shallow estuaries. Seagrasses are in sheltered mud and sand and are underwater.
Worms, crabs, snails, sea urchins and dugongs all eat Seagrass.
Copyright © Australian Museum, 2003
