Biodiversity & Conservation

Mytilus edulis and barnacles on very exposed eulittoral rock

LR.ELR.MB.MytB

ELR.MytB

Image Anon. - Close view of Mytilus and dense barnacles covering rock surface. Image width ca XX cm.
Image copyright information

Distribution map

LR.ELR.MB.MytB recorded (dark blue bullet) and expected (light blue bullet) distribution in Britain and Ireland (see below)

  • EC_Habitats

Recorded distribution in Britain and Ireland

Present on all coasts of the British Isles with the exception of south east England.

Habitat preferences

Temperature range preferences - Data deficient

Water clarity preferences - High clarity / Low turbidity
Medium clarity / Medium turbidity
Low clarity / High turbidity
Poor clarity / Extreme turbidity

Limiting Nutrients - Data deficient

Other preferences - Wave exposure

Additional information

Mussels dominate slow draining slopes or platforms, or steep and vertical surfaces where wave exposure keeps the surface damp, while barnacles can tolerate dryer conditions.

This review can be cited as follows:

Tyler-Walters, H. 2002. Mytilus edulis and barnacles on very exposed eulittoral rock. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. [cited 20/05/2013]. Available from: <http://www.marlin.ac.uk/habitatpreferences.php?habitatid=203&code=1997>