Biodiversity & Conservation

Mytilus edulis beds on reduced salinity tide-swept infralittoral rock

IR.SIR.EstFa.MytT

<i>%Mytilus edulis%</i> beds on reduced salinity tide-swept infralittoral rock
Distribution map

IR.SIR.EstFa.MytT 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 Mytilus edulis Common mussel
Key structural Asterias rubens Common starfish
Important functional Balanus crenatus An acorn barnacle
Important other Halichondria panicea Breadcrumb sponge

Explanation

The biotope is dominated structurally and functionally by Mytilus edulis. Without Mytilus edulis, it would not be this biotope. The starfish Asterias rubens is a significant predator or Mytilus edulis. Other species included in those representing sensitivity are ones that are common components.

Additional information

This review can be cited as follows:

Hiscock, K. 2001. Mytilus edulis beds on reduced salinity tide-swept infralittoral rock. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. [cited 25/05/2013]. Available from: <http://www.marlin.ac.uk/habitatreproduction.php?habitatid=259&code=1997>