Laminaria digitata on moderately exposed Atlantic sublittoral fringe rock
Description (English)
Exposed to moderately exposed sublittoral fringe rock characterised by the kelp Laminaria digitata with coralline crusts covering the rock beneath the kelp canopy. Foliose red seaweeds such as Palmaria palmata, Membranoptera alata, Chondrus crispus and Mastocarpus stellatus are often present along with the calcareous Corallina officinalis. The brown seaweed Fucus serratus and the green seaweeds Cladophora rupestris and Ulva lactuca can be present as well. The sponge Halichondria panicea can be found among the kelp holdfasts or underneath overhangs. Also present on the rock are the tube-building polychaete Pomatoceros triqueter, the gastropods Patella vulgata and Gibbula cineraria. The bryozoan Electra pilosa can form colonies on especially C. crispus, M. stellatus and F. serratus while the hydroid Dynanema pumila are more common on the kelp. Three variants of this biotope are described: L. digitata forest on rocky shores (unit MB1-2171). L. digitata on boulder shores (unit MB1-2172) and soft rock supporting L. digitata, such as the chalk found in south-east England (unit MB1-2173). For L. digitata in sheltered, tide-swept conditions see unit MB1-21E.
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
EUNIS habitat type | code MB1217 |
---|---|
Relation to | Resolution 4 habitat type (used for designation of Emerald sites) |
Legal status
Relation to other habitat types mentioned in legal instruments
Vegetation types
Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)
Not availableSpecies mentioned in habitat description
Species scientific name | English common name | Species group |
---|---|---|
Chondrus crispus | Algae | |
Cladophora rupestris | Algae | |
Corallina officinalis | Algae | |
Fucus serratus | Algae | |
Laminaria digitata | Algae | |
Mastocarpus stellatus | Algae | |
Membranoptera alata | Algae | |
Palmaria palmata | Algae | |
Ulva lactuca | Algae | |
Electra pilosa | Invertebrates | |
Gibbula cineraria | Invertebrates | |
Halichondria panicea | Invertebrates | |
Patella vulgata | Invertebrates | |
Pomatoceros triqueter | Invertebrates |
Other classifications
Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
---|---|---|---|
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012) | A3.211 | Laminaria digitata on moderately exposed sublittoral fringe rock | same |
History
Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A3.211 | Laminaria digitata on moderately exposed sublittoral fringe rock | same | |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308 | A3.211 | Laminaria digitata on moderately exposed or tide-swept sublittoral fringe rock | same | |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 | A3.211 | Laminaria digitata on moderately exposed or tide-swept sublittoral fringe rock | same | |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 | A3.211 | Laminaria digitata on moderately exposed or tide-swept sublittoral fringe rock | same | |
MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland) | MIR.KR.Ldig | Laminaria digitata on moderately exposed or tide-swept sublittoral fringe rock | same |