EUNIS habitat classification 2017 > M - Marine benthic habitats > MA1 - Littoral rock > MA15 - Mediterranean littoral rock > MA154 - Biocenosis of Mediterranean lower mediolittoral rock > MA1548 - Association with Fucus virsoides

Association with Fucus virsoides

Description (English)

The characteristic species of this association is the brown alga Fucus virsoides. The association, when it is present, occupies the entire mediolittoral, related to the presence of the significant tides and the relatively cool, unsalty, eutrophic water that are peculiar to these coasts. According to Giaccone (1991), this is probably a Parathetis relict. The association is basically formed by the Fucus virsoides, Gelidium spathulatum, G. pulvinatum and Phormidium flexuosum. There are also Bangia spp. and Rivularia polyotis. Patella pellucida, Mytilus galloprovincialis, Actinia equina and Balanus spp. are among the animal species found. This is really more like an infralittoral enclave, finding a favourable biotope under the Fucus fronds.

Source: EUNIS habitat classification

Quick facts

EUNIS habitat type	code MA1548
Relation to	Annex I habitat types (EU Habitats Directive)

Legal status

Relation to other habitat types mentioned in legal instruments

Legal text	Annex	Name in legal text	Code in legal text	Habitat type relationship	More information
Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora - consolidated version 01/01/2007	Annex I: natural habitat types of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation	Large shallow inlets and bays	1160	Narrower	http://ec.europa.eu/environm...rective/index_en.htm
Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora - consolidated version 01/01/2007	Annex I: natural habitat types of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation	Reefs	1170	Narrower

Vegetation types

Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)

Not available

Species mentioned in habitat description

Algae Fucus virsoides

Algae Gelidium spathulatum

Invertebrates Actinia equina

Invertebrates Mytilus galloprovincialis

Species scientific name	English common name	Species group
Fucus virsoides		Algae
Gelidium spathulatum		Algae
Actinia equina		Invertebrates
Mytilus galloprovincialis		Invertebrates

Other classifications

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012)	A1.316	Association with Fucus virsoides	same

For relation to plant communities (syntaxa), see Vegetation types

History

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410	A1.316	Association with Fucus virsoides	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308	A1.317	Association with Fucus virsoides	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202	A1.317	Association with Fucus virsoides	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910	A1.317	Association with Fucus virsoides	same

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