Sparse Laminaria hyperborea and dense Paracentrotus lividus on exposed infralittoral limestone
Description (English)
This biotope is known from only one location, the Aran Islands, Co. Galway (Ireland). Here, a limestone platform between 3 m and 6 m of depth is dominated by a dense population of the urchin Paracentrotus lividus, which heavily graze and burrow into the soft limestone. So intense is the grazing pressure that the rock appears completely bare, except for a coralline algal crust and occasional Laminaria hyperborea and Saccorhiza polyschides. The anthozoans Sagartia elegans and Corynactis viridis are also present, though at low abundance. The grazed kelp also extends deeper to 20 to 25 m further offshore. (Only one CB record within this biotope).
Situation: This rare biotope has only been recorded from one location and the neighbouring biotopes were not fully surveyed. In deeper water (30-40m) there is unit A4.121.
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
| EUNIS habitat type | code A3.114 |
|---|---|
| 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
Algae
Laminaria hyperborea
Algae
Saccorhiza polyschides
Invertebrates
Corynactis viridis
Invertebrates
Paracentrotus lividus
Invertebrates
Sagartia elegans
| Species scientific name | English common name | Species group |
|---|---|---|
| Laminaria hyperborea | Algae | |
| Saccorhiza polyschides | Algae | |
| Corynactis viridis | Invertebrates | |
| Paracentrotus lividus | Invertebrates | |
| Sagartia elegans | Invertebrates |
Other classifications
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Habitat Classification Britain/Ireland 0405 | IR.HIR.KFaR.LhypPar | Sparse <I>Laminaria hyperborea</I> and dense <I>Paracentrotus lividus</I> on exposed infralittoral limestone | source |
| CORINE Land Cover | 5.2.3. | Sea and ocean | n/a |
History
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A3.114 | Sparse Laminaria hyperborea and dense Paracentrotus lividus on exposed infralittoral limestone | same |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308 | A3.114 | Sparse Laminaria hyperborea and dense Paracentrotus lividus on exposed infralittoral limestone rock | same |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 | A3.114 | Sparse Laminaria hyperborea and dense Paracentrotus lividus on exposed infralittoral limestone rock | same |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 | A3.114 | Sparse Laminaria hyperborea and dense Paracentrotus lividus on exposed infralittoral limestone rock | same |
| MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland) | EIR.KFaR.LhypPar | Sparse Laminaria hyperborea and dense Paracentrotus lividus on exposed infralittoral limestone rock | same |
