Mixed turf of bryozoans and erect sponges with Dysidia fragilis and Actinothoe sphyrodeta on tide-swept wave-exposed Atlantic circalittoral rock
Quick facts
EUNIS habitat type | code MC12132 |
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Relation to | Resolution 4 habitat type (used for designation of Emerald sites) |
Description (English)
This variant typically occurs on exposed and moderately wave-exposed bedrock and boulders subject to a variety of tidal regimes (from strong through to weak). It is found mainly in the 10-20m depth range and does not usually occur deeper than 30 m. It therefore often straddles the upper circalittoral and lower infralittoral. It often has a light covering of silt and sand may be in the vicinity. Sponges form a dominant part of this variant, although cover usually appears patchy, with no single species dominating. Species present include Dysidea fragilis, Pachymatisma johnstonia, Esperiopsis fucorum, Hemimycale columella, Cliona celata, Stelligera rigida, Polymastia boletiformis, Stelligera stuposa, Raspailia ramosa, Tethya aurantium, Polymastia mamillaris and Axinella dissimilis. Tufts of large hydroids such as Nemertesia antennina, frequently recorded on the tops of outcrops and boulders, stand out more clearly than the understorey of finer hydroid and bryozoan turf such as Aglaophenia pluma, Bugula flabellata, Bugula plumosa, crisiids, Cellaria sinuosa and Bugula turbinata. Other bryozoans such as Alcyonidium diaphanum and Flustra foliacea are also frequently recorded. Other more widespread species present include Asterias rubens, Actinothoe sphyrodeta, Balanus crenatus, Caryophyllia smithii, Corynactis viridis, Necora puber and Clavelina lepadiformis. This variant has been recorded off the south east coast of Ireland, the welsh coast and Lundy Island.
Situation: This biotope is typically found on exposed coasts, with exposed kelp forest in the infralittoral zone, characterised by species such as Laminaria hyperborea and Saccorhiza polyschides. The MC1-2132 variant is usually found below MC1-2131, with similar Geographic range.
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Legal status
Relation to other habitat types mentioned in legal instruments
Vegetation types
Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)
Not availableSpecies mentioned in habitat description
Other classifications
Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
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EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012) | A4.1312 | Mixed turf of bryozoans and erect sponges with Dysidia fragilis and Actinothoe sphyrodeta on tide-swept wave-exposed circalittoral rock | same |
History
Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type | Comment |
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EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A4.1312 | Mixed turf of bryozoans and erect sponges with Dysidia fragilis and Actinothoe sphyrodeta on tide-swept wave-exposed circalittoral rock | same | |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308 | A3.613 | Mixed turf of bryozoans and erect sponges with Dysidia fragilis and Actinothoe sphyrodeta on tide-swept, wave-exposed circalittoral rock | same | |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 | A3.613 | Cushion sponges (Polymastia boletiformis, Tethya), stalked sponges, Nemertesia spp. and Pentapora foliacea on moderately exposed circalittoral rock | same | |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 | A3.613 | Cushion sponges (Polymastia boletiformis, Tethya), stalked sponges, Nemertesia spp. and Pentapora foliacea on moderately exposed circalittoral rock | same | |
MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland) | MCR.XFa.ErSPbolSH | Cushion sponges (Polymastia boletiformis, Tethya), stalked sponges, Nemertesia spp. and Pentapora foliacea on moderately exposed circalittoral rock | same |