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Concept: Sponges and anemones on vertical circalittoral bedrock in the eunishabitats vocabulary

Concept URI http://eunis.eea.europa.eu/eunishabitats/A4.139
Preferred label Sponges and anemones on vertical circalittoral bedrock
Definition This biotope is found on exposed to moderately wave exposed , vertical and overhanging, circalittoral bedrock, subject to strong through to weak tidal streams. This biotope is characterised by a mixed faunal turf of hydroids ([Nemertesis antennina], [Tubularia indivisa] and [Halecium halecium]) and bryozoans ([Alcyonidium diaphanum] and crisiid turf). There is frequently a diverse range of sponges recorded, including [Cliona celata], [Pachymatisma johnstonia], [Dysidea fragilis] and [Hemimycale columella]. There may be dense aggregation of dead mans fingers [Alcyonium digitatum] along with clumps of the cup coral [Caryophyllia smithii], and the anthozoans [Corynactis viridis], [Actinothoe sphyrodeta], [Sagartia elegans] and [Metridium senile]. Other species present include the echinoderms [Echinus esculentus], [Asterias rubens], [Marthasterias glacialis], [Henricia oculata], [Holothuria forskali] and [Antedon bifida], clumps of the lightbulb tunicate [Clavelina lepadiformis] and the top shell [Calliostoma zizyphinum]. Three regional variations of this biotope have been recorded. The first variant is characterised by a [Bugula] turf along with the pink sea fan [Eunicella verrucosa], and has been recorded from around southwest England and Wales. The second variant, characterised by a dense 'carpet' of [Corynactis viridis] and [Metridium senile] has been recorded predominantly from the west coast of Ireland. The final variant is characterised by a very diverse, dense faunal turf of hydroids, bryozoans and ascidians and has been recorded from the coasts around Northern Ireland.
Notation A4.139
Status Valid
Status Modified 2014-01-31
Accepted Date 2014-01-31
Not Accepted Date
Has broader
Has exact match