Laminaria saccharina and Gracilaria gracilis with sponges and ascidians on variable salinity infralittoral sediment
Description (English)
Shallow kelp community found on stony sediment, in extremely sheltered, variable salinity conditions, with moderately strong tidal currents. The community is characterised by a more sparse covering of Laminaria saccharina, particularly when compared to the fully marine version of this sub biotope (A5.524). Beneath the canopy the community is characterised by the red algae Gracilaria gracilis, and a variety of faunal species in particular sponges (Suberites ficus and Halichondria panacea) and ascidians (Ascidiella aspersa and Dendrodoa grossularia). The stony substrate provides a surface for attachment for these and many other filter and suspension feeding species, particularly barnacles (Balanus crenatus), hydroids (Urticina feline and Hydractinia echinata) and anemones. Other members of the understory may include a variety of filamentous and foliose red algae in particular Pterothamnion plumula, and the green alga Ulva.
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
| EUNIS habitat type | code A5.525 |
|---|---|
| Bern Convention | Included in a Resolution 4 habitat type at a higher level (A5) |
Vegetation types
Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)
Not availableSpecies mentioned in habitat description
Algae
Laminaria saccharina
Invertebrates
Dendrodoa grossularia
| Species scientific name | English common name | Species group |
|---|---|---|
| Laminaria saccharina | Algae | |
| Dendrodoa grossularia | Invertebrates |
Other classifications
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Habitat Classification Britain/Ireland 0405 | SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacGraVS | <I>Laminaria saccharina</I> and <I>Gracilaria gracilis</I> with sponges and ascidians on variable salinity infralittoral sediment | source |
| CORINE Land Cover | 5.2.3. | Sea and ocean | n/a |
History
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A5.525 | Laminaria saccharina and Gracilaria gracilis with sponges and ascidians on variable salinity infralittoral sediment | same |
