Description of biotope or habitat type
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Saccharina latissima with Psammechinus miliaris and/or Modiolus modiolus on variable salinity infralittoral mixed sediment
Physical habitat description
| Salinity | Full (30-35 ppt) |
|---|---|
| Wave exposure | Exposed, Moderately exposed, Sheltered, Very sheltered |
| Tidal streams | Moderately strong (1-3 kn), Weak (>1 kn), Very weak (negligible) |
| Substratum | Mixed muddy sand with gravel, pebbles and cobbles |
| Zone | Infralittoral |
| Depth Band | 0-5 m, 5-10 m, 10-20 m |
| Other Features |
Biotope origin
| Derived using data from | Various |
| Faunal group | Epifauna |
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'
- Predicted extent of the level 3 (for sublittoral rock & deep sea) or 4 (for sublittoral sediment) habitat
Point data based on records in the UK Marine Recorder Snapshot. Predicted habitat extent is from UKSeaMap.
Description
Shallow kelp community found on stony mixed sediment, in full or variable salinity, in sheltered or moderately exposed conditions, with weak or very weak tidal currents. The community is characterised by a dense covering of Saccharina latissima. Beneath the kelp canopy, frequent Psammechinus miliaris may be found grazing the algal turf and scattered Modiolus modiolus are characteristic of this biotope. Encrusting the suface of stones and pebbles are Spirobranchus triqueter and in the sediment between the stones, the burrowing anemone Cerianthus lloydii may also be present. Small patches of Lithothamnion glaciale may be found in this biotope, although these patches do not form distinct beds as in SS.SMp.Mrl.Lgla. In addition, a more ubiquitous fauna such as Asterias rubens and Pagurus bernhardus are also present. This biotope is generally found in sea lochs.
Situation
No situation data available.
Temporal variation
No temporal data available.
Characterising species
| Taxon | Relative importance of taxon for defining this community (%) | Typical abundance - SACFOR scale | % of core records where taxon was recorded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saccharina latissima | 20 | Common | 81-100% |
| Psammechinus miliaris | 10 | Frequent | 61-80% |
| Pagurus bernhardus | 9 | Occasional | 61-80% |
| Asterias rubens | 8 | Occasional | 61-80% |
| Spirobranchus triqueter | 8 | Frequent | 61-80% |
| Cerianthus lloydii | 5 | Common | 41-60% |
| Modiolus modiolus | 5 | Occasional | 61-80% |
| Corallinaceae | 3 | Frequent | 41-60% |
| Buccinum undatum | 3 | Occasional | 41-60% |
| Lithothamnion glaciale | 3 | Frequent | 41-60% |
| Phycodrys rubens | 3 | Frequent | 41-60% |
| Carcinus maenas | 2 | Occasional | 41-60% |
| Chorda filum | 2 | Occasional | 41-60% |
| Gobiusculus flavescens | 2 | Common | 21-40% |
| Metridium senile | 2 | Occasional | 21-40% |
| Mya truncata | 1 | Occasional | 21-40% |
| Carradoriella elongata | 1 | Occasional | 21-40% |
Similar biotopes or habitat types
Not applicable or unknown.
Classification history of this biotope or habitat type
| Classification version | Code | Habitat name |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 (15.03) | SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacMxVS | Laminaria saccharina with Psammechinus miliaris and/or Modiolus modiolus on variable salinity infralittoral sediment |
| 2004 (04.05) | SS.SMp.KSwSS.LsacMxVS | Laminaria saccharina with Psammechinus miliaris and/or Modiolus modiolus on variable salinity infralittoral sediment |