Another method of estimating production is net amount of carbon. In general, Red mangroves have the greatest net production, Blacks intermediate, and Whites the lowest figures of net primary production. Leaves fall all year with a minor peak in early summers. Additionally, sporadic litter fall exists after stress. Few animals graze directly on mangroves.
Primary consumers are the decomposers.
Bacteria and protozoans colonize plant litter and begin breaking it down chemically into organic compounds, minerals, CO2, and nitrogenous wastes. Amphipods and other small grazers speed up the process by reducing the litter mechanically to detritus. This increase in surface area aids microbial colonization which speeds up decomposition. Faster decomposition is also apparent with an increase in tidal fluctuation. Detritus, enriched nutritionally by its microbial population is utilized as a food source by a variety of organisms.