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Concept: [Alcyonium digitatum], [Pomatoceros triqueter], algal and bryozoan crusts on wave-exposed circalittoral rock in the eunishabitats vocabulary

Concept URI http://eunis.eea.europa.eu/eunishabitats/A4.2142
Preferred label [Alcyonium digitatum], [Pomatoceros triqueter], algal and bryozoan crusts on wave-exposed circalittoral rock
Definition This variant is typically found on the vertical, steep and upper faces of wave-exposed circalittoral bedrock or boulders subject to varying amounts of current. The variant has a very grazed, sparse appearance, dominated only by the presence of [Alcyonium digitatum] and large expanses of encrusting red alage and bryozoan crusts particularly ([Parasmittina trispinosa]). The sparse appearance can be attributed to the frequently observed sea urchin [Echinus esculentus]. The polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter] can be locally abundant, and may in some cases cover far more rock surface than [A. digitatum], especially on vertical faces. Clumps of robust hydroids such as [Abietinaria abietina] occur occasionally. Other species present include the echinoderms [Asterias rubens], [Henricia sanguinolenta], [Ophiothrix fragilis], the anemone [Urticina felina], [Calliostoma zizyphinum] and [Cancer pagurus]. Situation: Shallower than this biotope, dense kelp forest is typically found, containing species such as [Laminaria hyperborea] and [Alaria esculentus]. Occasionally, this biotope may be found on rocky outcrops surrounding by coarse sand. With this increased scour, MCR.UrtScr may develop at the rock/sand interface. Below this biotope, coarse sediments, muddy gravel and sand are typically recorded.
Notation A4.2142
Status Valid
Status Modified 2014-01-31
Accepted Date 2014-01-31
Not Accepted Date
Has broader
Has exact match