Seagrass meadows, such as this one composed of turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum) and manatee grass (Syringodium filiforme), are an important shallow water habitat. Hundreds of animal species, including adult and juvenile fish, mollusks, and sea urchins, live among the grass blades, while algae, diatoms and bacteria live on the leaf surfaces. Many animals will also eat the grass itself, including manatees, sea turtles and seabirds. And, when the grass blades are washed away by the waves, they sink to the deep sea, where deep sea urchins and other animals feed upon them.