Hiatella arctica and seaweeds on vertical limestone / chalk
Description (English)
This biotope is found in the infralittoral zone on moderately exposed vertical limestone/chalk surfaces in weak tidal streams, and has been recorded most frequently between 0-10m. This biotope is characterised by abundant Hiatella arctica and a rich sponge community including Cliona celata, Dysidea fragilis and Pachymatisma johnstonia. Other species that may be frequent in this biotope are the crab Necora puber, the sea squirt Clavelina lepadiformis, and the top shell Calliostoma zizyphinum, although these species are found in other vertical rock biotopes, however in lesser abundance.
Situation: Shallow rocky coasts with vertical limestone faces.
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
| EUNIS habitat type | code A3.217 |
|---|---|
| Bern Convention | Included in a Resolution 4 habitat type at a higher level (A3) |
Vegetation types
Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)
Not availableSpecies mentioned in habitat description
Invertebrates
Calliostoma zizyphinum
Invertebrates
Clavelina lepadiformis
Invertebrates
Cliona celata
Invertebrates
Dysidea fragilis
Invertebrates
Hiatella arctica
Invertebrates
Pachymatisma johnstonia
| Species scientific name | English common name | Species group |
|---|---|---|
| Calliostoma zizyphinum | Invertebrates | |
| Clavelina lepadiformis | Invertebrates | |
| Cliona celata | Invertebrates | |
| Dysidea fragilis | Invertebrates | |
| Hiatella arctica | Invertebrates | |
| Pachymatisma johnstonia | Invertebrates |
Other classifications
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Habitat Classification Britain/Ireland 0405 | IR.MIR.KR.HiaSw | <I>Hiatella arctica</I> and seaweeds on vertical limestone / chalk. | source |
| CORINE Land Cover | 5.2.3. | Sea and ocean | n/a |
History
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A3.218 | Hiatella arctica and seaweeds on vertical limestone / chalk | same |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308 | A3.2411 | Hiatella arctica, bryozoans and ascidians on vertical infralittoral soft rock | overlap |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 | A3.2411 | Hiatella arctica, bryozoans and ascidians on vertical infralittoral soft rock | overlap |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 | A3.2411 | Hiatella arctica, bryozoans and ascidians on vertical infralittoral soft rock | overlap |
| MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland) | IR.FaSwV.AlcByH.Hia | Hiatella arctica, bryozoans and ascidians on vertical infralittoral soft rock | overlap |
