Neocrania anomala and Protanthea simplex on sheltered Atlantic circalittoral rock
Description (English)
This biotope typically occurs in full to variable salinity conditions on very wave-sheltered circalittoral bedrock and boulder slopes subject to negligible tidal streams (this tends to be in the landward, very sheltered basins of fjordic sealochs). This biotope is characterised by often dense populations of the anemone Protanthea simplex, growing on the silty bedrock. The underlying rock surfaces are usually covered by encrusting red algae, the polychaete Pomatoceros triqueter, the brachiopods Neocrania anomala and Terebratulina retusa, the saddle oyster Pododesmus patelliformis and the polychaete Sabella pavonina. Scattered colonies of Alcyonium digitatum and the hydroid Bougainvillia ramosa may occasionally be recorded. A diverse range of ascidians including Ciona intestinalis, Ascidia mentula, Corella parallelogramma, Ascidia virginea, Polycarpa pomaria and Dendrodoa grossularia are also occasionally recorded. Echinoderms such as the common brittlestar Ophiothrix fragilis are frequently reported with their arms protruding from crevices in the rock, whilst the starfish Asterias rubens, Henricia oculata, and the sea urchin Echinus esculentus and Psammechinus miliaris are occasionally found on the boulder/rock surface. The whelk Buccinum undatum is often present but in very low numbers. The squat lobster Munida rugosa may be seen hiding in crevices. The hermit crab Pagurus bernhardus may also be recorded.
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
EUNIS habitat type | code MC1234 |
---|---|
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 |
---|---|---|
Alcyonium digitatum | Invertebrates | |
Ascidia mentula | Invertebrates | |
Asterias rubens | Invertebrates | |
Buccinum undatum | Invertebrates | |
Ciona intestinalis | Invertebrates | |
Dendrodoa grossularia | Invertebrates | |
Echinus esculentus | Invertebrates | |
Neocrania anomala | Invertebrates | |
Ophiothrix fragilis | Invertebrates | |
Sabella pavonina | Invertebrates | |
Terebratulina retusa | Invertebrates |
Other classifications
Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
---|---|---|---|
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012) | A4.314 | Neocrania anomala and Protanthea simplex on sheltered circalittoral rock | same |
History
Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A4.314 | Neocrania anomala and Protanthea simplex on sheltered circalittoral rock | same | |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308 | A3.715 | Neocrania anomala and Protanthea simplex on low energy circalittoral rock | same | |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 | A3.715 | Neocrania anomala and Protanthea simplex on very sheltered circalittoral rock | same | |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 | A3.715 | Neocrania anomala and Protanthea simplex on very sheltered circalittoral rock | same | |
MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland) | SCR.BrAs.NeoPro | Neocrania anomala and Protanthea simplex on very sheltered circalittoral rock | same |