Description of biotope or habitat type
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Pelvetia canaliculata on sheltered littoral fringe rock
Physical habitat description
| Salinity | Full (30-35 ppt), Variable (18-35 ppt) |
|---|---|
| Wave exposure | Sheltered, Very sheltered, Extremely sheltered |
| Tidal streams | |
| Substratum | Bedrock; stable boulders; cobbles |
| Zone | Littoral fringe - lower |
| Depth Band | Upper shore |
| Other Features |
Download comparative physical and biological data. The comparative tables enable a rapid comparison of the species composition and principal physical characteristics between a given set of biotopes.
- Records used to define the biotope (core records)
- Other records assigned to this biotope, marked as 'certain'
- Other records assigned to this biotope, marked as 'uncertain'
Point data based on records in the UK Marine Recorder Snapshot.
Description
Lower littoral fringe bedrock or stable boulders and mixed substrata in sheltered to extremely sheltered conditions characterised by a dense cover of the wrack Pelvetia canaliculata. The biotope may be present in localised sheltered patches on moderately exposed shores. P. canaliculata overgrows a crust of black lichens Verrucaria maura or the non-calcified red algae Hildenbrandia rubra on very sheltered shores. Individuals of the wrack Fucus spiralis can usually be found among the P. canaliculata and/or in lower part of the biotope. This biotope lacks the density of barnacles found amongst the P. canaliculata on more exposed shores. The winkle Littorina saxatilis occurs, as do a variety of amphipods. The red alga Catenella caespitosa can be present especially in more shaded areas while the green seaweed Ulva spp. can be present in moist areas.
Situation
This biotope is found in the lower littoral fringe on sheltered shores below biotopes dominated by V. maura (Ver.Ver) and above biotopes dominated by F. spiralis (Fspi). Though not typical, this biotope may occur on moderately exposed shores where local topography provides shelter.
Temporal variation
Unknown.
Characterising species
| Taxon | Relative importance of taxon for defining this community (%) | Typical abundance - SACFOR scale | % of core records where taxon was recorded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pelvetia canaliculata | 51 | Common | 81-100% |
| Littorina saxatilis | 19 | Frequent | 61-80% |
| Verrucaria maura | 14 | Common | 41-60% |
| Fucus spiralis | 3 | Occasional | 41-60% |
| Hildenbrandia rubra | 2 | Occasional | 21-40% |
Similar biotopes or habitat types
LR.MLR.BF.PelB
Occurs on shores with a slightly higher exposure, but otherwise in similar physical conditions. Barnacles such as Chthamalus montagui, Chthamalus stellatus or LR.HLR.MusB.Semibalanus balanoides are always present and the limpet Patella vulgata can be present.Classification history of this biotope or habitat type
| Classification version | Code |
|---|---|
| 1997 (97.06) | SLR.Pel (part) |
| 1995 | LRK.PEL (part) |
