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 > MF2212 - Mixed coral assemblage on Atlantic lower bathyal

Mixed coral assemblage on Atlantic lower bathyal

Description (English)

This biotope is found on mostly dead Solenosmilia variabilis framework and is characterised by dense growths of corals of many difference species including Isididae, Anthomastus grandiflorus, zoanthids, Antipathes sp.,Leiopathes sp., Stichopathes sp. and gorgonians. It is associated with steep topography on radial ridges and parasitic cones. These mixed coral assemblages appear to provide a suitable habitat for a diverse range of fish including the false boarfish Neocyttus helgae, Lepidion eques, and orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus.

Source: EUNIS habitat classification

Quick facts

EUNIS habitat type	code MF2212
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

Fishes Hoplostethus atlanticus

Fishes Lepidion eques

Fishes Neocyttus helgae

Invertebrates Solenosmilia variabilis

Species scientific name	English common name	Species group
Hoplostethus atlanticus		Fishes
Lepidion eques	North Atlantic codling	Fishes
Neocyttus helgae		Fishes
Solenosmilia variabilis		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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