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Concept: [Caryophyllia smithii] with faunal and algal crusts on moderately wave-exposed circalittoral rock in the eunishabitats vocabulary

Concept URI http://eunis.eea.europa.eu/eunishabitats/A4.2146
Preferred label [Caryophyllia smithii] with faunal and algal crusts on moderately wave-exposed circalittoral rock
Definition This variant is typically found on the upper and vertical faces of exposed and moderately wave-exposed circalittoral rock, subject to very little water movement. Where this variant is found on slightly more wave-exposed sites, it tends to be found towards the bottom of its depth range. The rocky substratum has a grazed appearance, with encrusting red algae. Diversity of species is very low, possibly due to grazing pressure from the sea urchin [Echinus esculentus]. From afar, there is little evident epifauna attached to the rocks apart from the white, calcareous tubes of the polychaete [Pomatoceros triqueter] and the cup-coral [Caryophyllia smithii]. In addition, bryozoan crusts such as [Parasmittina trispinosa] are frequently seen. Under closer inspection, a few more species become apparent but few are typically characterising of this particular variant. The echinoderms [Antedon bifida], [Asterias rubens], [Ophiothrix fragilis], [Marthasterias glacialis], [Ophiocomina nigra] and [Crossaster papposus] are occasionally present. Sparse clumps of hydroids such as [Halecium halecinum], [Kirchenpaueria pinnata] and [Nemertesia antennina] may be found attached to rocky outcrops or boulders. Small specimens of [Alcyonium digitatum] may be present. The ascidians [Ciona intestinalis], [Clavelina lepadiformis] and [Ascidia mentula] also occur in this variant but are found in greater numbers in other biotopes. The top shells [Calliostoma zizyphinum], [Gibbula cineraria], and the saddle oyster [Pododesmus patelliformis] may be seen on the rock surface whilst the crab [Cancer pagurus] may be seen under boulders and in crevices. The anemone [Metridium senile] may be found under rocky overhangs and on the sides of boulders. Situation: As FaAlCr.Car occurs on moderately wave-exposed coasts, kelp forests in the infralittoral zone shallower than this variant tend to be dominated by robust kelp species such as [Laminaria hyperborea] (Lhyp) and [Saccorhiza polyschides]. Immediately below FaAlC.Car (typically bedrock/boulder substratum), sublittoral sediment biotopes such as muddy sands, containing [Nephrops norvegicus], [Virgularia mirabilis] and [Funiculina quadrangularis] are found. Occasionally, biotopes composed of coarser sand/gravelly material may be present, with species such as [Peachea cylindrica] and [Neopentadactyla mixta]. When wave exposure and tidal stream increase, FaAlC.Car tends to grade into FaAlC.Pom.
Notation A4.2146
Status Valid
Status Modified 2014-01-31
Accepted Date 2014-01-31
Not Accepted Date
Has broader
Has exact match