Located adjacent to the mangroves within Largo Sound, a channel that directly connects to the Key Largo Reef system, an abundance of reef-associated fish species has been documented on the Mock Shipwreck, with a majority of them in their juvenile phase. Mangroves are well known for their role in the life cycle of reef fishes, providing nesting habitats with their roots and safety from larger predators. Commonly observed species include Sergeant Major, French Angelfish, Mahogany Snapper, Rainbow Parrotfish, Mangrove Snapper, Bluestriped Grunt, and Great Barracuda. Crustaceans (Blue Crab and Caribbean Spiny Lobster) are commonly found on this site as well significant sponge and algae growth.

Coral growth has been documented both on and adjacent to the cannons and anchor. To colonize and grow, coral polyps require a stable, solid, and algae free foundation. The bottom composition of the beach appears to be too silty and unstable for coral recruitment, but the metal artifacts provide substrate that is conducive as demonstrated by the abundance of Siderastrea radians (Lesser Starlet Coral) observed on five of the cannons and the anchor.