Alcyonium digitatum and Metridium senile on moderately wave-exposed Atlantic circalittoral steel wrecks
Description (English)
This biotope is found on moderately wave-exposed circalittoral steel wrecks that are subject to moderately strong to weak tidal streams. The vertical and upward facing sides of the wreck stand proud of the seabed, and may be colonised by dense aggregations of Alcyonium digitatum, Metridium senile and Actinothoe sphyrodeta. Caryophyllia smithii and Corynactis viridis are also recorded with varying abundance. A mixed faunal turf may also be present on the vertical sides, with Nemertesia antennina, Flustra foliacea and Bugula plumosa. Where tidal stream strength is elevated, for example if the wreck is situated in a straight or sound, the hydroid Tubularia indivisa may prevail. Crustaceans such as the crabs Necora puber, Maja squinado and Cancer pagurus, the lobster Homarus gammarus and barnacles are all recorded. The top shell Calliostoma zizyphinum is also recorded.
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
EUNIS habitat type | code MC12281 |
---|---|
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 |
---|---|---|
Actinothoe sphyrodeta | Invertebrates | |
Alcyonium digitatum | Invertebrates | |
Bugula plumosa | Invertebrates | |
Calliostoma zizyphinum | Invertebrates | |
Cancer pagurus | Invertebrates | |
Caryophyllia smithii | Invertebrates | |
Corynactis viridis | Invertebrates | |
Flustra foliacea | Invertebrates | |
Homarus gammarus | Invertebrates | |
Maja squinado | Invertebrates | |
Metridium senile | Invertebrates | |
Necora puber | Invertebrates | |
Nemertesia antennina | Invertebrates | |
Tubularia indivisa | Invertebrates |
Other classifications
Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
---|---|---|---|
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012) | A4.7 | Features of circalittoral rock | same |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012) | A4.721 | Alcyonium digitatum and Metridium senile on moderately wave-exposed circalittoral steel wrecks | overlap |
History
Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A4.7 | Features of circalittoral rock | same | |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A4.721 | Alcyonium digitatum and Metridium senile on moderately wave-exposed circalittoral steel wrecks | same |