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Concept: [Mytilus edulis] and barnacles on very exposed eulittoral rock in the eunishabitats vocabulary

Concept URI http://eunis.eea.europa.eu/eunishabitats/A1.111
Preferred label [Mytilus edulis] and barnacles on very exposed eulittoral rock
Definition On very exposed to exposed rocky shores the eulittoral zone, particularly the mid and lower shore, is typically characterised by patches of small individuals of the mussel [Mytilus edulis] interspersed with patches of the barnacle [Semibalanus balanoides] and individuls of the limpet [Patella vulgata]. Amongst the mussels small individuals of red seaweeds including [Ceramium] spp., [Corallina officinalis] and [Mastocarpus stellatus] can be found. The foliose red seaweeds [Porphyra umbilicalis] and [Palmaria palmata] are commonly found as epiphytes on [M. edulis] where they can form luxuriant growths. The abundance of the red seaweeds generally increases down the shore and in the lower eulittoral they may form a distinct zone in which mussels or barnacles are scarce (FR, Coff.Coff or Him). Where [M. edulis] occurs on steep rock, red seaweeds are scarce and restricted to the lower shore. The whelk [Nucella lapillus] and a few winkles such as [Littorina] spp. can occur where cracks and crevices provide a refuge in the rock. Fucoids are generally absent, although some non-vesiculate [Fucus vesiculosus] may occur where the shore slopes more gently. This biotope also occurs on steep moderately exposed shores which experience increased wave energy. Situation: MytB is generally found above a zone of either mixed turf-forming red seaweeds (FR), [Himanthalia elongata] (Him) or above the sublittoral fringe kelp [Alaria esculenta] (Ala) zone. Above MytB there may be a [Verrucaria maura] zone (Ver.Ver), a [V. maura] and sparse barnacle zone (Ver.B), often with [P. umbilicalis] or a denser barnacle and limpet zone (Sem; FvesB). In addition, patches of lichen [Lichina pygmaea] with the barnacle [Chthamalus montagui] (Cht.Cht) may also occur above this biotope, particularly on southern shores. Temporal variation: Severe winter storms can cause periodic removal of this mussel and barnacle community.
Notation A1.111
Status Valid
Status Modified 2014-01-31
Accepted Date 2014-01-31
Not Accepted Date
Has broader
Has exact match