Ascidiella aspersa on Atlantic circalittoral artificial substrata
Description (English)
Sheltered artificial substrata (such as discarded fishing nets or scrap metal on muddy sediment plains), sometimes subject to variable salinity, with high numbers of the ascidian Ascidiella aspersa which is capable of rapidly colonising hard substrata. Other species that are quickly able to take advantage of such substrata include the dahlia anemone Urticina felina and the plumose anemone Metridium senile. The edible crab Cancer pagurus, the velvet swimming crab Necora puber and the shore crab Carcinus maenas may occasionally be found hiding under the discarded nets, lobster pots or anchor chains.
Situation: As a fouling community, this biotope may be found throughout the circalittoral zone in coastal waters. It may be more prevalent around harbours, moorings, and fishing grounds where suitable substratum is available. In situations where wave exposure or tidal stream increase, biotopes dominated by bryozoans and/or robust hydroids (unit MC1-22) may arise.
Temporal variation: A gradual development of more long-lived species is expected, where the artificial substrata are of a more permanent nature (e.g. wooden or concrete pier pilings).
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
EUNIS habitat type | code MC12282 |
---|---|
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 |
---|---|---|
Ascidiella aspersa | Invertebrates | |
Cancer pagurus | Invertebrates | |
Carcinus maenas | Invertebrates | |
Metridium senile | Invertebrates | |
Necora puber | Invertebrates | |
Urticina felina | 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) | A4.722 | Ascidiella aspersa on circalittoral artificial substrata | overlap |
History
Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A4.722 | Ascidiella aspersa on circalittoral artificial substrata | same | |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A4.7 | Features of circalittoral rock | same | |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308 | A3.714 | Ascidiella aspersa fouling community on circalittoral artificial substrata | same | |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 | A3.714 | Ascidiella aspersa on sheltered circalittoral rocks on muddy sediment | same | |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 | A3.714 | Ascidiella aspersa on sheltered circalittoral rocks on muddy sediment | same | |
MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland) | SCR.BrAs.Aasp | Ascidiella aspersa on sheltered circalittoral rocks on muddy sediment | same |