Biodiversity & Conservation

Sabellaria spinulosa with kelp and red seaweeds on sand-influenced infralittoral rock

IR.MIR.SedK.SabKR

<i>%Sabellaria spinulosa%</i> with kelp and red seaweeds on sand-influenced infralittoral rock
Distribution map

IR.MIR.SedK.SabKR recorded (dark blue bullet) and expected (light blue bullet) distribution in Britain and Ireland (see below)

  • EC_Habitats

Species indicative of sensitivity

To assess the sensitivity of the biotope, the sensitivity of component species is reviewed. Those species that are considered to be particularly indicative of the sensitivity of the biotope, and for which research has been undertaken in detail are shown below (see selection criteria). The biology of other component species of the biotope is also taken into account wherever information is known to the researcher.

Community Importance Species name Common Name
Key structural Sabellaria spinulosa Ross worm
Important characterizing Laminaria hyperborea Tangle or cuvie
Important characterizing Delesseria sanguinea Sea beech
Important characterizing Lithophyllum incrustans Encrusting coralline alga
Important characterizing Urticina felina Dahlia anemone

Explanation

Sabellaria spinulosa is the key characterizing species giving the name to the biotope. The biotope is distinguished from MCR.Sspi, a similar biotope found in the circalittoral zone, by the presence of occasional kelp plants, typically Laminaria hyperborea and sediment tolerant red algae such as the foliose Delesseria sanguinea and the encrusting Lithophyllum incrustans. The anemone Urticina felina is often found in the biotope.

Additional information

This review can be cited as follows:

Hill, J.M. 2001. Sabellaria spinulosa with kelp and red seaweeds on sand-influenced infralittoral rock. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. [cited 19/06/2013]. Available from: <http://www.marlin.ac.uk/habitatreproduction.php?habitatid=144&code=1997>