EUNIS habitat classification 2017 > M - Marine benthic habitats > MF2 - Lower bathyal biogenic habitat > MF22 - Atlantic lower bathyal biogenic habitat > MF221 - Atlantic lower bathyal cold water coral reef > MF2211 - Atlantic lower bathyal live Solenosmilia variabilis reef

Atlantic lower bathyal live Solenosmilia variabilis reef

Description (English)

This biotope is similar to Lophelia pertusa reef, but the dominant scleractinian species is Solenosmilia variabilis. It is generally found deeper than Lophelia pertusa reef in the lower bathyal zone (>1200m). Solenosmilia attaches to any hard substrate present and then grows outwards forming a hard reef structure. Solenosmilia 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 Solenosmilia. This biotope will generally be surrounded by dead Solenosmilia reef framework. Solenosmilia reef can be found in a mosaic with other substrate types.

Source: EUNIS habitat classification

Quick facts

EUNIS habitat type	code MF2211
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]

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)	A6.6	Deep-sea bioherms	narrower

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

History

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410	A6.6	Deep-sea bioherms	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308	A5.6	Deep-sea bioherms	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202	A5.6	Deep-sea bioherms	same

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