Chrysophyceae and Haptophyceae on vertical upper littoral fringe soft rock
Description (English)
Orange, brownish or blackish gelatinous bands of algae at high tide and supralittoral levels on open cliff faces and on upper walls and ceilings at entrances and to the rear of upper and mid-shore hard and soft rock (chalk) caves. This dark brown band consists of an assemblage of Haptophyceae such as Apistonema spp., Pleurochrysis carterae and the orange Chrysotila lamellosa, but other genera and species of Chrysophyceae, Haptophyceae and Prasinophyceae are likely to be present as well. Species such as Entodesmis maritima and Thallochrysis littoralis and the filamentous green alga Epicladia perforans are often associated with Apistonema spp. and the latter can form a green layer beneath the Apistonema spp. Associated with this splash zone algal community is an assemblage of animals of terrestrial origin, with red mites, insects and centipedes commonly found. These species descend into the community as the tide falls and retreat as the tide rises. The most common truly 'marine' species is the small winkle Melarhaphe neritoides.
Situation: This description is partly based on a Thanet intertidal survey (Tittley & Spurrier 2001). More information is needed to identify the species composition and dominant species of this biotope.
Temporal variation: During summer the gelatinous growth dries and often peels off.
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
EUNIS habitat type | code A1.441 |
---|---|
Bern Convention | Included in a Resolution 4 habitat type at a higher level (A1.44) |
Vegetation types
Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)
Not availableSpecies mentioned in habitat description
Species scientific name | English common name | Species group |
---|---|---|
Melarhaphe neritoides | Invertebrates |
Other classifications
Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
---|---|---|---|
Marine Habitat Classification Britain/Ireland 0405 | LR.FLR.CvOv.ChrHap | Chrysophyceae and Haptophyceae on vertical upper littoral fringe soft rock | source |
CORINE Land Cover | 3.3.2. | Bare rock | n/a |
History
Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
---|---|---|---|
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A1.441 | Chrysophyceae and Haptophyceae on vertical upper littoral fringe soft rock | same |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308 | B3.114 | Chrysophyceae and Haptophyceae on vertical upper littoral fringe soft rock | same |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 | B3.114 | Chrysophyceae on vertical upper littoral fringe soft rock | same |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 | B3.114 | Chrysophyceae on vertical upper littoral fringe soft rock | same |
MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland) | LR.L.Chr | Chrysophyceae on vertical upper littoral fringe soft rock | same |