Description of biotope or habitat type
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Mixed coral assemblage on Atlantic lower bathyal Solenosmilia reef framework (biogenic structure)
Physical habitat description
| Salinity | Full (30-35 ppt) |
|---|---|
| Wave exposure | |
| Tidal streams | |
| Substratum | Rock and other hard substrata - coral framework |
| Zone | Atlantic lower bathyal |
| Depth Band | Biotope depth range 1300 - 2100 m (based on zone); assemblage recorded from 1311 - 1598 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 is found on mostly dead Solenosmilia variabilis framework and is characterised by dense growths of corals of many difference species including Isididae, Anthomastus grandiflorus, zoanthids, Antipathes sp., Leiopathes sp., Stichopathes sp. and gorgonians. It is associated with steep topography on radial ridges and parasitic cones. These mixed coral assemblages appear to provide a suitable habitat for a diverse range of fish including the false boarfish Neocyttus helgae, Lepidion eques, and orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus.
Situation
No situation data available.
Temporal variation
No temporal variation data available.
Characterising species
| Taxon | % of core records where taxon was recorded |
|---|---|
| Solenosmilia variabilis | |
| Isididae | |
| Ophiactis | |
| Porifera encrusting sp. 6 | |
| Anthomastus grandiflorus | |
| Zoanthidae | |
| Antipathes | |
| Leiopathes | |
| Stichopathes | |
| Aphrocallistes | |
| Alcyonacea |
Similar biotopes or habitat types
M.AtUB.Bi.CorRee.LopFra
Shallower assemblage in the upper bathyal where mixed corals occur on Lophelia pertusa framework.
M.AtMB.Bi.CorRee.LopFra
Shallower assemblage in the mid bathyal where mixed corals occur on Lophelia pertusa framework.
