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Concept: [Corynactis viridis] and a mixed turf of crisiids, [Bugula], [Scrupocellaria], and [Cellaria] on moderately tide-swept exposed circalittoral rock in the eunishabitats vocabulary

Concept URI http://eunis.eea.europa.eu/eunishabitats/A4.132
Preferred label [Corynactis viridis] and a mixed turf of crisiids, [Bugula], [Scrupocellaria], and [Cellaria] on moderately tide-swept exposed circalittoral rock
Definition This biotope typically occurs on wave-exposed, vertical or steep, circalittoral bedrock or large boulders, usually subject to moderate or strong tidal streams. It is characterised by dense aggregations of the anemone [Corynactis viridis] and the cup coral [Caryophyllia smithii] intermixed with a short bryozoan turf of one or more [Crisia] spp., [Scrupocellaria] spp., [Bugula] spp. and [Cellaria] spp. Occasionally, this turf obscures the underlying [C. virdis] and [C. smithii]. Cushion and encrusting sponges, particularly [Pachymatisma johnstonia], [Cliona celata], [Esperiopsis fucorum] and [Dysidea fragilis], are present in moderate amounts at many sites. The axinellid sponges [Stelligera] spp. and [Raspailia] spp. are less frequently recorded. Clumps of large hydroids such as [Nemertesia antennina] and [Nemertesia ramosa] as well as the soft coral [Alcyonium digitatum] and the bryozoan [Alcyonidium diaphanum] may be found covering the hard substratum. The anemones [Actinothoe sphyrodeta] and [Sagartia elegans] are typically present in low numbers, while the hard `coral' [Pentapora foliacea] is also occasionally observed. The most frequently recorded echinoderms are [Marthasterias glacialis] and [Asterias rubens], although other species such as [Echinus esculentus] may also be seen. The rocky substratum may have a patchy covering of encrusting red seaweeds/algae. The crabs [Necora puber] and [Cancer pagurus] may be seen in crevices or under overhangs. This biotope is regularly recorded around south west England and Wales, often on vertical rock faces. Situation: Due to its wave-exposed nature, kelp park and forest biotopes (LhypR and Ala) are commonly found in the infralittoral zone shallower than this biotope, and feature species such as [Laminaria hyperborea], [Sacchoriza polyschides] and [Alaria esculenta].
Notation A4.132
Status Valid
Status Modified 2014-01-31
Accepted Date 2014-01-31
Not Accepted Date
Has broader
Has exact match