Description of biotope or habitat type
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Corallina officinalis, Himanthalia elongata and Patella ulyssiponensis on very exposed lower eulittoral rock
Physical habitat description
| Salinity | Full (30-35 ppt) |
|---|---|
| Wave exposure | Very exposed, Exposed |
| Tidal streams | |
| Substratum | Bedrock |
| Zone | Eulittoral - lower |
| Depth Band | Lower 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
Very exposed to exposed lower eulittoral bedrock shores in the south-west can support a dense turf of the red seaweed Corallina officinalis found underneath the long erect fronds of the wrack Himanthalia elongata. The rock surface is pitted with the limpet Patella ulyssiponensis. Also found on the bedrock is the barnacle Chthamalus stellatus or the limpet Patella vulgata, while numerous cracks and crevices provide shelter for anemones such as Actinia equina or the mussel Mytilus edulis. Other turf-forming red seaweeds include Lomentaria articulata, Mastocarpus stellatus, Palmaria palmata, Gastroclonium ovatum, Ceramium spp. and Osmundea pinnatifida which can be found along with the kelp Laminaria digitata. Foliose green seaweeds such as Ulva intestinalis and Ulva lactuca may also be present along with siphonous Codium spp. Sponges such as Grantia compressa, Halichondria panicea and Hymeniacidon perlevis may be present in shaded areas. The brown seaweed Bifurcaria bifurcata and the barnacle Perforatus perforatus may occur in the extreme south-west.
Situation
This community usually forms a distinct band just above the kelp zone (Ala; Ala.Ldig or Ldig). It can be found below the barnacle and P. vulgata dominated biotopes (Cht; Sem or Sem.FvesR).
Temporal variation
There might be some fluctuations in the abundance of the individual species from year to year, which reverts this biotope into either the Coff.Coff or the Him biotopes.
Characterising species
| Taxon | Relative importance of taxon for defining this community (%) | Typical abundance - SACFOR scale | % of core records where taxon was recorded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corallina officinalis | 14 | Common | 81-100% |
| Patella ulyssiponensis | 13 | Common | 81-100% |
| Himanthalia elongata | 10 | Abundant | 61-80% |
| Osmundea pinnatifida | 8 | Frequent | 81-100% |
| Mastocarpus stellatus | 6 | Occasional | 61-80% |
| Actinia equina | 4 | Occasional | 61-80% |
| Corallinaceae | 3 | Common | 41-60% |
| Ceramium | 3 | Occasional | 41-60% |
| Chthamalus stellatus | 3 | Common | 41-60% |
| Ulva intestinalis | 3 | Occasional | 61-80% |
| Chondrus crispus | 2 | Occasional | 41-60% |
| Laminaria digitata | 2 | Occasional | 61-80% |
| Lomentaria articulata | 2 | Occasional | 41-60% |
| Mytilus edulis | 2 | Frequent | 41-60% |
| Palmaria palmata | 2 | Occasional | 41-60% |
| Patella vulgata | 2 | Frequent | 21-40% |
| Gastroclonium ovatum | 1 | Occasional | 41-60% |
| Ulva lactuca | 1 | Occasional | 41-60% |
| Porphyra umbilicalis | 1 | Occasional | 21-40% |
| Codium | 1 | Occasional | 21-40% |
Similar biotopes or habitat types
LR.HLR.FR.Coff.Coff
Occurs on moderately exposed to exposed coasts, but otherwise similar physical conditions. The biotope is dominated by C. officinalis while H. elongata is not present in high abundance (Frequent). C. stellatus is usually absent.
LR.HLR.FR.Him
Occurs in similar physical conditions. H. elongata is always present in high abundance (Common) while C. officinalis is not dominating (Frequent). C. stellatus and P. ulyssiponensis are usually absent.Classification history of this biotope or habitat type
| Classification version | Code |
|---|---|
| 1997 (97.06) | ELR.Coff (part) |
