EUNIS habitat classification 2017 > M - Marine benthic habitats > MC1 - Circalittoral rock > MC12 - Atlantic circalittoral rock > MC126 - Communities of Atlantic circalittoral caves and overhangs

Communities of Atlantic circalittoral caves and overhangs

Description (English)

Caves and overhanging rock in the circalittoral zone, away from significant influence of strong wave action (compare MB1-27). This habitat may be colonised by a wide variety of species, with sponges such as Dercitus bucklandi, anemones Parazoanthus spp. and the cup corals Caryophyllia inornatus, Hoplangia durotrix and others particularly characteristic.

Source: EUNIS habitat classification

Quick facts

EUNIS habitat type	code MC126
Relation to	Annex I habitat types (EU Habitats Directive)

Legal status

Relation to other habitat types mentioned in legal instruments

Legal text	Annex	Name in legal text	Code in legal text	Habitat type relationship	More information
Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora - consolidated version 01/01/2007	Annex I: natural habitat types of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation	Reefs	1170	Narrower	http://ec.europa.eu/environm...rective/index_en.htm
Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora - consolidated version 01/01/2007	Annex I: natural habitat types of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation	Submerged or partially submerged sea caves	8330	Narrower

Vegetation types

Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)

Not available

Species mentioned in habitat description

Invertebrates Dercitus bucklandi

Invertebrates Hoplangia durotrix

Species scientific name	English common name	Species group
Dercitus bucklandi		Invertebrates
Hoplangia durotrix		Invertebrates

Other classifications

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012)	A4.71	Communities of circalittoral caves and overhangs	overlap
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012)	A4.715	Caves and ducts in total darkness (including caves without light or water movement at upper levels)	overlap
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012)	A4.7	Features of circalittoral rock	narrower
European Red List of Habitats	NEAA4.71	Communities of Atlantic circalittoral caves and overhangs	same

For relation to plant communities (syntaxa), see Vegetation types

History

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410	A4.7	Features of circalittoral rock	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410	A4.71	Communities of circalittoral caves and overhangs	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410	A4.715	Caves and ducts in total darkness (including caves without light or water movement at upper levels)	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308	A3.B	Communities of circalittoral caves and overhangs	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308	A3.B21	Caves and ducts in total darkness (including caves without light or water movement at upper levels)	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202	A3.B	Caves and overhangs below the infralittoral zone	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202	A3.B21	Caves and ducts in total darkness (including caves without light or water movement at upper levels)	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910	A5.71	Caves and ducts in total darkness (including caves without light or water movement at upper levels)	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910	A3.8	Caves and overhangs in the circalittoral zone	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199811	A3.8	Caves and overhangs in the circalittoral zone	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199712	A9.3	Circalittoral caves	same
Palaearctic Habitat Classification 199905	12.71	Submerged sea-caves	wider
Palaearctic Habitat Classification 1997	12.71	Submerged sea-caves	wider
Palaearctic Habitat Classification 1996	12.71		wider
Palaearctic Habitat Classification 1993	12.71		wider

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