Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus assemblage on Atlantic upper bathyal sand
Description (English)
This biotope consists of aggregations of Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus (previously Echinus acutus norvegicus) on sand substrate. The same epifaunal assemblage is also found on mud and sand in the mid and lower bathyal but associated infauna are likely to differ. Gage (1986) reports this assemblage from 700-1400m on pelagic ooze and suggests it is present in a ribbon-like distribution around the continental margin of Europe down to about 1400m. Le Danois also describes this assemblage from 150m-500+ but emphasises that shallower than 500m Spatangus raschi dominates and below Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus dominates. Characterising species listed refer to all Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
| EUNIS habitat type | code ME5213 |
|---|
Vegetation types
Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)
Not availableSpecies mentioned in habitat description
Other classifications
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012) | A6.3 | Deep-sea sand | narrower |
History
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A6.3 | Deep-sea sand | same | |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308 | A5.3 | Deep-sea sand | same | |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 | A5.3 | Deep-sea sand substrates | same | |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 | A5.3 | Bathyal zone sand | same | |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 199811 | A5.2 | Bathyal zone sand (continental slope floor) | same | |
| Palaearctic Habitat Classification 199905 | 11.211 | Bathyal benthic communities | wider | |
| Palaearctic Habitat Classification 1997 | 11.211 | Bathyal benthic communities | wider | |
| Palaearctic Habitat Classification 1996 | 11.211 | wider | ||
| Palaearctic Habitat Classification 1993 | 11.211 | wider |
