Biodiversity & Conservation

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.

• Adreus fascicularis

• Adreus fascicularis

A range of species may be found on sand covered rocks depending most likely on degree of scour and geographical location. Ciocalypta penicillus, whilst characteristic of the biotope researched, has little information on its sensitivity and the conclusions of research rely mainly on widely distributed species such as the dahlia anemone Urticina felina, Nemertesia hydroids, dead men's fingers Alcyonium digitatum, bryozoans (Flustra foliacea and Pentapora fascialis) and keel worms Pomatoceros triqueter. Pentapora fascialis and Flustra foliacea provide a habitat for the species and are therefore described as 'Important structural'. Other species are important characterizing as the biotope might not be that biotope without them (or without Nemertesia antennina represented by Nemertesia ramosa).

Rocky substratum biotopes covered or partly covered by sand occur at locations all around Britain and Ireland and share many characteristic species with MCR.Urt.Cio. However, the presence of the sponge Ciocalypta penicillus, a southern species, means that this biotope is restricted to southern England, Wales and Ireland. It is believed that the sponge Adreus fascicularis is found only in this biotope.