Mytilus edulis beds with hydroids and ascidians on tide-swept exposed to moderately wave-exposed Atlantic circalittoral rock
Description (English)
This biotope typically occurs on the upper faces of tide-swept circalittoral bedrock, boulders and mixed substrata exposed to varying amounts of wave action. The mussel Mytilus edulis forms dense beds, to the exclusion of other species. The starfish Asterias rubens is frequently recorded, and it predates heavily on the mussels. Occasionally, the anemone Urticina felina may be seen within crevices in the rock or on gravel patches. Crabs such as Necora puber and Carcinus maenas may be seen on the rock or mussels whilst fauna observed in crevices typically consists of the lobster Homarus gammarus and the crab Cancer pagurus. The anemone Sargatia elegans can be seen attached to bedrock and cobbles, whereas the barnacle Balanus crenatus may be seen attached to the mussels themselves.
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
EUNIS habitat type | code MC1226 |
---|---|
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 |
---|---|---|
Asterias rubens | Invertebrates | |
Balanus crenatus | Invertebrates | |
Cancer pagurus | Invertebrates | |
Carcinus maenas | Invertebrates | |
Homarus gammarus | Invertebrates | |
Mytilus edulis | Invertebrates | |
Necora puber | Invertebrates | |
Urticina felina | Invertebrates |
Other classifications
Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
---|---|---|---|
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012) | A4.241 | Mytilus edulis beds with hydroids and ascidians on tide-swept exposed to moderately wave-exposed circalittoral rock | same |
History
Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A4.241 | Mytilus edulis beds with hydroids and ascidians on tide-swept exposed to moderately wave-exposed circalittoral rock | same | |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308 | A3.641 | Mytilus edulis beds with hydroids and ascidians on tide-swept moderately exposed circalittoral rock | same | |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 | A3.641 | Mytilus edulis beds with hydroids and ascidians on tide-swept moderately exposed circalittoral rock | same | |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 | A3.641 | Mytilus edulis beds with hydroids and ascidians on tide-swept moderately exposed circalittoral rock | same | |
MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland) | MCR.M.MytHAs | Mytilus edulis beds with hydroids and ascidians on tide-swept moderately exposed circalittoral rock | same |