Description of biotope or habitat type
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Discrete Lophelia pertusa colonies on Atlantic mid bathyal coarse sediment
Physical habitat description
| Salinity | Full (30-35 ppt) |
|---|---|
| Wave exposure | |
| Tidal streams | |
| Substratum | Coarse sediment |
| Zone | Atlantic mid bathyal |
| Depth Band | Biotope depth range 600 - 1300 m (based on zone); assemblage recorded from 457 - 960 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 biotope occurs on coarse sediment and coral rubble. Small growths of Lophelia pertusa and often Madrepora occulata are present. Lophelia pertusa reef framework may also be present adjacent to this biotope in areas where it occurs in an elevated position allowing dead coral framework to accumulate below. This biotope is often observed on the edge of escarpment features. The same assemblage is recorded on Atlantic upper bathyal rock. Characterising species listed refer to all discrete Lophelia pertusa assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.
Note: Although Lophelia pertusa (Linnaeus, 1758) is accepted as Desmophyllum pertusum (Linnaeus, 1758) in WoRMS, the molecular evidence is uncertain at present (2021) to grant a change in its taxonomic nomenclature. This will be revised once further evidence becomes available.
Situation
No situation data available.
Temporal variation
No temporal variation data available.
Characterising species
| Taxon | % of core records where taxon was recorded |
|---|---|
| Lophelia pertusa | |
| Madrepora oculata | |
| Hydrozoa | |
| Actinaraea | |
| Pandalus borealis | |
| Cerianthidae | |
| Ophiuroidea | |
| Cidaris cidaris | |
| Phelliactis | |
| Psolus squamatus | |
| Pliobothrus | |
| Munida | |
| Porifera encrusting (pale - yellow, white, grey, cream, pink | |
| Aberrantidae | |
| Anthomastus | |
| Anomiidae | |
| Caryophylliidae | |
| Porifera massive lobose | |
| Serpulidae | |
| Porifera branching | |
| Porifera encrusting (orange) | |
| Paguridae |
Similar biotopes or habitat types
M.AtUB.Co.MixCor.DisLop
The same epifaunal assemblage in the upper bathyal. Associated species may differ.
M.AtUB.Ro.MixCor.DisLop
The same epifaunal assemblage in the upper bathyal on rock. Associated species may differ.
M.AtMB.Ro.MixCor.DisLop
The same epifaunal assemblage on rock. Associated species may differ.
M.AtLB.Co.MixCor.DisSol
A deeper assemblage in the lower bathyal where Solenosmilia variabilis replaces Lophelia pertusa.
M.AtLB.Ro.MixCor.DisSol
A deeper assemblage in the lower bathyal on rock where Solenosmilia variabilis replaces Lophelia pertusa.
M.AtUB.Bi.CorRee.LopPer
Live Lophelia pertusa forming a reef in the upper bathyal.
M.AtUB.Bi.CorRee.LopFra
Dead Lophelia pertusa reef framework with associated corals in the upper bathyal.
