Description of biotope or habitat type
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Pelvetia canaliculata on sheltered variable salinity littoral fringe rock
Physical habitat description
| Salinity | Variable (18-35 ppt) |
|---|---|
| Wave exposure | Very sheltered, Extremely sheltered |
| Tidal streams | |
| Substratum | Bedrock; 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 on very sheltered to extremely sheltered variable salinity shores characterised by a dense cover of the wrack Pelvetia canaliculata, which often overgrows a crust of black lichens Verrucaria maura. The wrack Fucus spiralis can be present among the P. canaliculata. This biotope lacks the density of barnacles found among the P. canaliculata on more exposed shores though the occasional Semibalanus balanoides or Austrominius modestus can be found. The winkle Littorina saxatilis occurs, as do a variety of amphipods. The red alga Catenella caespitosa can be present in more shaded areas as well as the green seaweed Ulva intestinalis.
Situation
This biotope are 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).
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 | 54 | Common | 81-100% |
| Verrucaria maura | 14 | Common | 61-80% |
| Littorina saxatilis | 7 | Frequent | 41-60% |
| Catenella caespitosa | 4 | Frequent | 41-60% |
| Austrominius modestus | 3 | Occasional | 21-40% |
| Ulva intestinalis | 3 | Occasional | 21-40% |
| Fucus spiralis | 3 | Occasional | 41-60% |
| Semibalanus balanoides | 2 | Occasional | 21-40% |
Similar biotopes or habitat types
LR.MLR.BF.PelB
Occurs on shores with a higher wave exposure, and fully marine conditions. Barnacles such as Chthamalus montagui, Chthamalus stellatus or S. balanoides are always present and the limpet Patella vulgata can be present.
LR.LLR.F.Pel
Occurs on more exposed shores and in fully marine conditions. The species composition is very similar. Barnacles such as S. balanoides can be present as well as the crab Carcinus maenas or the red alga Hildenbrandia rubra.Classification history of this biotope or habitat type
| Classification version | Code |
|---|---|
| 1997 (97.06) | SLR.Pel (part) |