Atlantic and Mediterranean high energy circalittoral rock
Description (English)
Occurs on extremely wave-exposed to exposed circalittoral bedrock and boulders subject to tidal streams ranging from strong to very strong. Typically found in tidal straits and narrows. The high energy levels found within this habitat complex are reflected in the fauna recorded. Sponges such as Pachymatisma johnstonia, Halichondria panicea, Esperiopsis fucorum and Myxilla incrustans may all be recorded. Characteristic of this habitat complex is the dense 'carpet' of the hydroid Tubularia indivisa. The barnacle Balanus crenatus is recorded in high abundance on the rocky substrata. On rocky outcrops, Alcyonium digitatum is often present.
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
EUNIS habitat type | code A4.1 |
---|---|
Bern Convention | Included in a Resolution 4 habitat type at a higher level (A4) |
Relation to | Annex I habitat types (EU Habitats Directive) |
Legal status
Relation to other habitat types mentioned in legal instruments
Vegetation types
Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)
Not availableSpecies mentioned in habitat description
Species scientific name | English common name | Species group |
---|---|---|
Alcyonium digitatum | Invertebrates | |
Balanus crenatus | Invertebrates | |
Esperiopsis fucorum | Invertebrates | |
Halichondria panicea | Invertebrates | |
Myxilla incrustans | Invertebrates | |
Pachymatisma johnstonia | Invertebrates | |
Tubularia indivisa | Invertebrates |
Other classifications
Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
---|---|---|---|
CORINE Land Cover | 5.2.3. | Sea and ocean | n/a |
Marine Habitat Classification Britain/Ireland 0405 | CR.HCR | High energy circalittoral rock | same |
Biodiversity Broad Habitat Classification (UK) | 24 | Offshore shelf rock | wider |
Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Habitats (UK) | 37 | Tidal rapids | overlap |
History
Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
---|---|---|---|
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A4.1 | Atlantic and Mediterranean high energy circalittoral rock | same |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308 | A3.5 | High energy circalittoral rock | same |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 | A3.5 | Circalittoral rock very exposed to wave action or currents and tidal streams | same |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 | A3.5 | Circalittoral rock very exposed to wave action or currents and tidal streams | same |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199811 | A3.5 | Circalittoral rock very exposed to wave action or tidal currents | same |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199712 | A5.1 | Circalittoral rock very exposed to wave or tide action | same |
MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland) | ECR | Exposed circalittoral rock | same |
MNCR BioMar 96.7 (Britain & Ireland) | ECR | same |