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Concept: Filamentous red seaweeds, sponges and [Balanus crenatus] on tide-swept variable-salinity infralittoral rock in the eunishabitats vocabulary

Concept URI http://eunis.eea.europa.eu/eunishabitats/A3.225
Preferred label Filamentous red seaweeds, sponges and [Balanus crenatus] on tide-swept variable-salinity infralittoral rock
Definition Tide-swept infralittoral rock subject to variable salinity and turbid waters occurs in the mid to upper reaches of the rias of south-west Britain, where riverine freshwater input reduces the salinity. Very shallow rock under these conditions is characterised by a covering of filamentous red seaweed such as [Callithamnion] spp., [Antithamnion] spp., [Ceramium] spp., [Griffithsia devoniensis], [Pterothamnion plumula] and [Polysiphonia fucoides], as well as the filamentous green seaweed [Cladophora] spp. Foliose red seaweeds such as [Hypoglossum hypoglossoides], [Cryptopleura ramosa] and [Erythroglossum laciniatum] commonly occur, as does the foliose green seaweed [Ulva lactuca]. Although [Laminaria saccharina] is often present it is usually in very low abundance (Occasional). The fluctuating salinity limits the number of species able to exist in this habitat. The animal community is dominated by the sponges [Halichondria panicea] and [Hymeniacidon perleve] and the barnacle [Balanus crenatus]. The ascidians [Clavelina lepadiformis] and [Dendrodoa grossularia] can be locally abundant at some sites. The crab [Carcinus maenas] is usually present, as is the mussel [Mytilus edulis]. The bryozoan [Bugula plumosa] is sometimes present. Where vertical rock is present, the seaweeds [Ceramium nodulosum], [P. plumula], [C. ramosa], [H. hypoglossoides] and [E. laciniatum] are typically found. Situation: This biotope is usually found amidst sediment or rock and as such there is no defined zonation of the surrounding biotopes. Shallow sediments nearby may support seagrass beds ([Zostera] spp.) or infaunal-dominated sediments (SS.SCS.ICS). Nearby, deeper tide-swept rock may support circalittoral communities dominated by sponges, hydroids and ascidians on stable rock (CuSpH.As) or dense bryozoans on mixed substrata (SpNemAdia & FluHocu).
Notation A3.225
Status Valid
Status Modified 2014-01-31
Accepted Date 2014-01-31
Not Accepted Date
Has broader
Has exact match