Description of biotope or habitat type
To understand more about what this page is describing, see How to use the classification. See also How to cite.
Deep sponge aggregation on Atlanto-Arctic upper bathyal coarse sediment
Physical habitat description
Salinity | Full (30-35 ppt) |
---|---|
Wave exposure | |
Tidal streams | |
Substratum | Coarse sediment |
Zone | Atlanto-Arctic upper bathyal |
Depth Band | 300 - 600 m |
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'
- 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
This broad community contains assemblages where sponges dominate sediment habitats. Sponges can be of all morphotypes except encrusting. Aggregations of the Geodia species with other massive forms are typical of Atlanto-Arctic upper bathyal coarse or mixed sediment. Associated species are likely to differ on different sediment types.
Situation
No situation data available.
Temporal variation
No temporal variation data available.
Characterising species
Characterising species data not applicable.
Similar biotopes or habitat types
M.AtLB.Mu.DeeSpo
The same epifaunal broad community occuring in the Atlantic lower bathyal on mud. Different sponges are present and associated species will differ.
M.AtMB.Mu.DeeSpo
The same epifaunal broad community occuring in the Atlantic mid bathyal on mud. Different sponges are present and associated species will differ.
M.AtUB.Ro.DeeSpo
The same epifaunal broad community occuring in the Atlantic upper bathyal on rock. Different sponges are present and associated species will differ.