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Concept: Mixed turf of bryozoans and erect sponges with [Sagartia elegans] on tide-swept ciraclittoral rock in the eunishabitats vocabulary

Concept URI http://eunis.eea.europa.eu/eunishabitats/A4.1313
Preferred label Mixed turf of bryozoans and erect sponges with [Sagartia elegans] on tide-swept ciraclittoral rock
Definition This variant is typically found on wave-exposed circalittoral bedrock and boulders, on steep slopes and upper faces in moderate tidal streams. This species-rich biotope is characterised by a dense sponge, hydroid and bryozoan turf and frequent [Alcyonium digitatum]. There are frequently large growths of [Cliona celata] and [Pachymatisma johnstonia]. Other species present in this diverse sponge community include [Polymastia boletiformis], [Haliclona viscosa], [Polymastia mamilliaris], [Scypha ciliata], [Hemimycale columella] and [Dysidea fragilis]. Axinellid sponges such as [Stelligera stuposa] and [Raspailia ramosa] may be present in low abundance, and are usually more abundant in deeper water. A dense hydroid turf forms a significant part of this biotope, with tufts of large hydroids such as [Nemertesia antennina] and [Nemertesia ramosa] frequently recorded. Other hydroid turf component species include [Halecium halecinum], [Aglaophenia tubulifera] and [Abietinaria abietina]. Anemones are also well represented, with species such as [Urticina felina], [Sagartia elegans] and [Metridium senile] recorded. The cup coral [Caryophyllia smithii] and the anemone [Corynactis viridis] are also frequently seen. The bryozoan turf is composed predominantly of [Alcyonidium diaphanum] and [Flustra foliacea], whilst crustose species such as [Parasmittina trispinosa] contribute to a lesser extent. The delicate [Bugula plumosa] may also be present. There is a significant echinoderm component in this biotope. Species such as the starfish [Asterias rubens], [Henricia oculata], [Marthasterias glacialis] and [Luidia ciliaris], the sea urchin [Echinus esculentus] and the crinoid [Antedon bifida] are all regularly recorded. Other species which may be observed include the top shell [Calliostoma zizyphinium], the colonial ascidian [Clavelina lepadiformis] and the barnacle [Balanus crenatus]. The crab [Cancer pagurus] is typically found under boulders. This variant has been recorded from from various sites including Pembrokeshire, the Calf of Man and the west coast of Ireland. Situation: Dense kelp forests containing [L. hyperborea] and [S. polyschides] are typically found above ByErSp.Sag.
Notation A4.1313
Status Valid
Status Modified 2014-01-31
Accepted Date 2014-01-31
Not Accepted Date
Has broader
Has exact match