BIOTIC Species Information for Fucus spiralis
Researched byNicola White Data supplied byMarLIN
Refereed byDr Graham Scott
Distribution and Habitat
Distribution in Britain & IrelandAll coasts of Britain and Ireland
Global distributionIceland, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, UK, Ireland, Atlantic coast of France, Spain, Morocco, Azores, East coast of America from New Jersey to Nova Scotia and isolated reports in the Northern Pacific.
Biogeographic rangeNot researched Depth rangeLower littoral fringe
MigratoryNon-migratory / Resident   
Distribution Additional InformationFucus spiralis favours rocks with many cracks and fissures, which probably provide some protection for developing zygotes and adult plants. It can extend into estuaries up to the 10 psu isohaline. The presence or absence of suitable substrata is considered to be one of the most important factors determining the distribution of Fucus spiralis.

Substratum preferencesBedrock
Large to very large boulders
Small boulders
Cobbles
Physiographic preferencesStrait / sound
Sealoch
Ria / Voe
Estuary
Biological zoneLower Littoral Fringe
Wave exposureModerately Exposed
Sheltered
Very Sheltered
Tidal stream strength/Water flowStrong (3-6 kn)
Moderately Strong (1-3 kn)
Weak (<1 kn)
Very Weak (negligible)
SalinityReduced (18-30 psu)
Variable (18-40 psu)
Full (30-40 psu)
Habitat Preferences Additional Information
Distribution References Niemeck & Mathieson, 1976, JNCC, 1999, Norton, 1985, Hardy & Guiry, 2003,
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