Abstract: Studies on the dynamics and species diversities of artificial Sonneratia apetala,Sonneratia caseolaris and Kandelia candel communities showed that the arbor layer of S.apetala and S.caseolaris communities contained two distinctive sub layers.The upper layer was composed of S.apetala or S.caseolaris,and the medium layer was composed of K.candel and Aegiceras corniculatum.The dominant population S.apetala or S.caseolaris in S.apetala and S.caseolaris communities only had old aged individuals but no regenerations appeared recently,while K.candel and A.corniculatum were actively progressive populations,which would possibly become dominant populations during the course of community development,showing that S.apetala and S.caseolaris were pioneer species for plantation,which could promote natural colonization of regional mangrove species when planted at open mudflat. K.candel was the actively progressive population in K.candel community,its natural regeneration and succession could be successful,while A.corniculatum and B.sexangula were initially progressive populations.The species composition and species diversities of S.apetala and S.caseolaris communities were similar,both contained the main species in K.candel community,namely, K.candel,A.corniculatum and Bruguiera sexangula,showing that S.apetala and S.caseolaris could co exist with these regional species.To introduce and plant them could help to form complicated and diversified mangrove communities.During the early stage of the development,the species diversities of S.apetala and S.caseolaris communities were higher when their planting density was high.The species diversities grew slightly higher when the communities became older.

Key words: Artificial mangroves, Sonneratia apetala, Sonneratia caseolaris, Kandelia candel, Community dynamics, Species-diversities