Atlantic upper bathyal live Lophelia pertusa reef

Description (English)

Scleractinian coral reefs formed predominantly by Lophelia pertusa in the upper bathyal zone. Lophelia attaches to any hard substrate present and then grows outwards forming a hard reef structure. Lophelia reef is often associated with a range of coral species and a high diversity of other fauna. This biotope refers only to reef framework summits with live Lophelia. Further research is required to identify associated species on Lophelia reef that distinguish between reefs occuring in different vertical zones. Lophelia reef can be found in a mosaic with all substrate types.

Source: EUNIS habitat classification

Quick facts

EUNIS habitat type code ME2211
Relation to Resolution 4 habitat type (used for designation of Emerald sites)

Vegetation types

Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)

Not available

Species mentioned in habitat description

Invertebrates Lophelia pertusa
Species scientific name English common name Species group
Lophelia pertusa Invertebrates

Other classifications

Classification Code Habitat type name Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012) A6.611 Deep-sea Lophelia pertusa reefs narrower
For relation to plant communities (syntaxa), see Vegetation types

History

Classification Code Habitat type name Relationship type Comment
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 A6.611 Deep-sea Lophelia pertusa reefs same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308 A5.611 Lophelia pertusa reefs wider
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 A5.611 Lophelia pertusa reefs same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 A5.131 Lophelia pertusa reefs same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199811 A5.11 Lophelia pertusa reefs on circalittoral offshore rock same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199712 A5.41 Lophelia beds on circalittoral offshore rock same
MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland) COR.Lop Lophelia reefs same
MNCR BioMar 96.7 (Britain & Ireland) COR.Lop   same
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