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Marine Habitat Classification


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.

Distribution of habitat M.AtLB.Bi.CorRee.SolFra Mixed coral assemblage on Atlantic lower bathyal <i>Solenosmilia</i> reef framework (biogenic structure)

  • 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.

M.AtLB.Bi.CorRee.SolVar
Live Solenosmilia variabilisreef. Often surrounded by dead framework.

Photos

M.AtLB.Bi.CorRee.SolFra Mixed coral assemblage on Atlantic lower bathyal Solenosmilia reef framework (biogenic structure), Anton Dohrn seamount. ANON© JNCC/University of Plymouth
M.AtLB.Bi.CorRee.SolFra Mixed coral assemblage on Atlantic lower bathyal Solenosmilia reef framework (biogenic structure), Anton Dohrn seamount. ANON© JNCC/University of Plymouth

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