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Concept: [Eunicella verrucosa] and [Pentapora foliacea] on wave-exposed circalittoral rock in the eunishabitats vocabulary

Concept URI http://eunis.eea.europa.eu/eunishabitats/A4.1311
Preferred label [Eunicella verrucosa] and [Pentapora foliacea] on wave-exposed circalittoral rock
Definition This variant typically occurs on wave-exposed, steep, circalittoral bedrock, boulder slopes and outcrops, subject to varying tidal streams. This silty variant contains a diverse faunal community, dominated by the seafan [Eunicella verrucosa], the bryozoan [Pentapora foliacea] and the cup coral [Caryophyllia smithii]. There are frequently numerous [Alcyonium digitatum], and these may become locally abundant under more tide-swept conditions. [Alcyonium glomeratum] may also be present. A diverse sponge community is usually present, including numerous erect sponges; species present include [Cliona celata], [Raspailia ramosa], [Raspailia hispida], [Axinella dissimilis], [Stelligera stuposa], [Dysidea fragilis] and [Polymastia boletiformis]. [Homaxinella subdola] may be present in the south west. A hydroid/bryozoan turf may develop in the understorey of this rich sponge assemblage, with species such as [Nemertesia antennina], [Nemertesia ramosa], crisiids, [Alcyonidium diaphanum] and [Bugula plumosa]. The sea cucumber [Holothuria forskali] may be locally abundant, feeding on the silty deposits on the rock surface. Other echinoderms encountered include the starfish [Marthasterias glacialis] and the urchin [Echinus esculentus]. Other fauna includes aggregations of colonial ascidians [Clavelina lepadiformis] and [Stolonica socialis]. Anemones such as [Actinothoe sphyrodeta] and [Parazoanthus axinellae] may be seen dotted across the rock surface. This biotope is present in south west England and Wales. Situation: This biotope is commonly found on rocky outcrops, surrounded by coarse sediment. This may be in the form of shelly gravel or muddy gravel, supporting [Urticina felina], [Cerianthus lloydi] and [Neopentadactyla mixta]. Above ByErSp.Eun, dense kelp forest containing [Saccorhiza polyschides] is usually found.
Notation A4.1311
Status Valid
Status Modified 2014-01-31
Accepted Date 2014-01-31
Not Accepted Date
Has broader
Has exact match