EUNIS habitat classification 2017 > M - Marine benthic habitats > MC1 - Circalittoral rock > MC15 - Mediterranean circalittoral rock > MC152 - Biocoenosis of Mediterranean semi-dark caves and overhangs > MC1522 - Facies with Corallium rubrum

Facies with Corallium rubrum

Description (English)

This facies, characterised by the high presence of the cnidarian (red coral) Corallium rubrum, occurs on walls of caves and/or cavities with coralligenous concretions and semi-dark overhangs. The vertical distribution of this facies occurs from 10 to 200 metres depth. Usually associated with many sponges (e.g. Haliclona fulva, Haliclona viscosa, Crella mollior, Aplysina cavernicola, Petrosia ficiformis, Pleraplysilla spinifera), scleractinians (Leptopsammia pruvoti, Caryophyllia inornata, Hoplangia durotrix), and bryozoans (e.g. Smittina cervicornis, Smittoidea reticulata, Celleporina caminata, Disporella neapolitana).

Source: EUNIS habitat classification

Quick facts

EUNIS habitat type	code MC1522
Relation to	Resolution 4 habitat type (used for designation of Emerald sites)

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
Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats	Revised Annex I of Resolution 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention on endangered natural habitats types using the EUNIS habitat classification (year of revision 2010)	Reefs	1170	Narrower	https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc....ckColorLogged=FDC864 Resolution No. 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention lists endangered natural habitats requiring specific conservation measures [and the designation of Areas of Special Conservation Interest (ASCIs) forming the Emerald network]
Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats	Revised Annex I of Resolution 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention on endangered natural habitats types using the EUNIS habitat classification (year of revision 2010)	Submerged or partially submerged sea caves	8330	Narrower	https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc....ckColorLogged=FDC864 Resolution No. 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention lists endangered natural habitats requiring specific conservation measures [and the designation of Areas of Special Conservation Interest (ASCIs) forming the Emerald network]

Vegetation types

Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)

Not available

Species mentioned in habitat description

Invertebrates Aplysina cavernicola

Invertebrates Caryophyllia inornata

Invertebrates Corallium rubrum

Invertebrates Hoplangia durotrix

Invertebrates Leptopsammia pruvoti

Invertebrates Petrosia ficiformis

Invertebrates Smittina cervicornis

Species scientific name	English common name	Species group
Aplysina cavernicola		Invertebrates
Caryophyllia inornata		Invertebrates
Corallium rubrum		Invertebrates
Hoplangia durotrix		Invertebrates
Leptopsammia pruvoti		Invertebrates
Petrosia ficiformis		Invertebrates
Smittina cervicornis		Invertebrates

Other classifications

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012)	A4.713	Caves and overhangs with Corallium rubrum	same

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

History

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410	A4.713	Caves and overhangs with Corallium rubrum	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308	A3.B13	Facies with Corallium rubrum	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202	A3.B13	Facies with Corallium rubrum	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910	A3.813	Facies with Corallium rubrum	same

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