The Marine Life Information Network

Pentapora foliacea is permanently attached to the seabed so substratum loss would result in death. Although being quite long-lived (10+ years) Pentapora fascialis is noted as having good reproductive and recolonization abilities, quite fast growth rates and gaining reproductive competency at an early stage (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). However, as the larval stage is potentially very short lived, dispersal distances may be limited (Keough & Chernoff, 1987). Local position of the adults can strongly affect the spatial pattern of larval settlement (Cocito et al 1998(b)). Following the almost total loss of a small population, Cocito et al., 1998(b)) recorded recovery and growth to original colony sizes taking only 3.5 years. In this case, reproductive adults remained nearby. If there are no remaining nearby adult populations then recovery may take much longer and so is assessed as moderate.

Pentapora foliacea is permanently attached to the seabed and so would be unable to avoid smothering. Although colonies of this species may reach considerable heights (50 cm in the Mediterranean), the sheet-like-structure is likely to retain any smothering sediment. Smaller colonies may be entirely killed whereas larger colonies that protrude through the smothering layer may lose only part of the colony. Smothering by encrusting epibiotic species may also occur (Cocoito et al. (1998(a)) recorded epibionts present on 50 % of the area of study quadrats in the Mediterranean). Epibionts can cause partial mortality of colonies. This effect is size dependent - proportions affected by epibionts is greater in larger colonies. Although being quite long-lived (10+ years) Pentapora fascialis is noted as having good reproductive and recolonization abilities, quite fast growth rates and gaining reproductive competency at an early stage (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). However, as the larval stage is potentially very short lived, dispersal distances may be limited (Keough & Chernoff, 1987). Local position of the adults can strongly affect the spatial pattern of larval settlement (Cocito et al 1998(b)). Following the almost total loss of a small population, Cocito et al., 1998(b)) recorded recovery and growth to original colony sizes taking only 3.5 years. In this case, reproductive adults remained nearby. If there are no remaining nearby adult populations then recovery may take much longer. Some evidence is available regarding the ability of this species to repair damage to colonies by epibiont smothering by regrowth of new zooids and strengthening of the base by thickening of lower zooid walls (Hayward and Ryland, 1979).

Siltation has been recorded as causing partial colony mortality in populations of Pentapora fascialis in the Mediterranean. Increases in siltation rate may cause loss of part of a population. Although being quite long-lived (10+ years) Pentapora fascialis is noted as having good reproductive and recolonization abilities, quite fast growth rates and gaining reproductive competency at an early stage (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). However, as the larval stage is potentially very short lived, dispersal distances may be limited (Keough & Chernoff, 1987). Local position of the adults can strongly affect the spatial pattern of larval settlement (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). Following the almost total loss of a small population, Cocito et al., 1998(b)) recorded recovery and growth to original colony sizes taking only 3.5 years. In this case, reproductive adults remained nearby. If there are no remaining nearby adult populations then recovery may take much longer. Some evidence is available regarding the ability of this species to repair damage to colonies by siltation by regrowth of new zooids and strengthening of the base by thickening of lower zooid walls (Hayward and Ryland, 1979).

The species is entirely subtidal and exposure to desiccating influences is likely to cause death. Although being quite long-lived (10+ years) Pentapora fascialis is noted as having good reproductive and recolonization abilities, quite fast growth rates and gaining reproductive competency at an early stage (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). However, as the larval stage is potentially very short lived, dispersal distances may be limited (Keough & Chernoff, 1987). Local position of the adults can strongly affect the spatial pattern of larval settlement (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). Following the almost total loss of a small population, Cocito et al., 1998(b)) recorded recovery and growth to original colony sizes taking only 3.5 years. In this case, reproductive adults remained nearby. If there are no remaining nearby adult populations then recovery may take much longer and so is assessed as moderate.

The species is entirely subtidal and a period of emergence is likely to cause death. Although being quite long-lived (10+ years) Pentapora fascialis is noted as having good reproductive and recolonization abilities, quite fast growth rates and gaining reproductive competency at an early stage (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). However, as the larval stage is potentially very short lived, dispersal distances may be limited (Keough & Chernoff, 1987). Local position of the adults can strongly affect the spatial pattern of larval settlement (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). Following almost total loss of a small population, Cocito et al., 1998(b)) recorded recovery and growth to original colony sizes taking only 3.5 years. In this case, reproductive adults remained nearby. If there are no remaining nearby adult populations then recovery may take much longer.

The species inhabits environments with considerable water flow and is often found in areas scoured by sand. Decreases in water flow rate may interfere with feeding efficiency. Recovery of condition on the resumption of normal conditions should not take too long.

Pentapora foliacea is found in warmer waters as far south the north coast of Morocco. The northernmost limits of the distribution are in the Minch off western Scotland. Once established, colonies are most likely able to withstand occasional lower or higher than normal temperatures, but long term decreases in temperature may cause distribution range to shrink. Although being quite long-lived (10+ years) Pentapora fascialis is noted as having good reproductive and recolonization abilities, quite fast growth rates and gaining reproductive competency at an early stage (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). However, as the larval stage is potentially very short lived, dispersal distances may be limited (Keough & Chernoff, 1987). Local position of the adults can strongly affect the spatial pattern of larval settlement (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). Following the almost total loss of a small population, Cocito et al., 1998(b)) recorded recovery and growth to original colony sizes taking only 3.5 years. In this case, reproductive adults remained nearby. If there are no remaining nearby adult populations then recovery may take much longer. Some evidence is available regarding the ability of this species to repair damage to the colony by regrowth of new zooids and strengthening of the base by thickening of lower zooid walls (Hayward and Ryland, 1979).

The species has very low or no ability for visual perception and is unlikely to be sensitive to changes in turbidity.

The species can occur in fairly exposed conditions. However, extreme wave action, as in storms, has been noted to cause widespread destruction of colonies (Cocito et al., 1998(a)). Therefore, increases in wave exposure may cause damage to colonies. Although being quite long-lived (10+ years) Pentapora fascialis is noted as having good reproductive and recolonization abilities, quite fast growth rates and gaining reproductive competency at an early stage (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). However, as the larval stage is potentially very short lived, dispersal distances may be limited (Keough & Chernoff, 1987). Local position of the adults can strongly affect the spatial pattern of larval settlement (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). Following the almost total loss of a small population, Cocito et al. (1998(b)) recorded recovery and growth to original colony sizes taking only 3.5 years. In this case, reproductive adults remained nearby. If there are no remaining nearby adult populations then recovery may take much longer. Some evidence is available regarding the ability of this species to repair damage to the colony by regrowth of new zooids and strengthening of the base by thickening of lower zooid walls (Hayward and Ryland, 1979).

It is unlikely that Pentapora fascialis has a particular intolerance to noise vibrations.

The species has very low or no ability for visual perception and is unlikely to be sensitive to changes in visual perception.

The 'leaves' of a Pentapora foliacea colony are highly calcified and brittle. Physical abrasion can easily cause damage. Pentapora foliacea is noted as being tolerant of regular medium intensity disturbances (such as winter storms) but low frequency, high intensity disturbances such as freak storms cause mortality, particularly in shallower waters (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). The effects of diver frequentation have been monitored for Pentapora fascialis populations in the Mediterranean (Sala et al., 1996). Areas with heavy diving activity have greatly reduced densities of Pentapora fascialis and remaining colonies are frequently smaller and highly damaged. Colonies only survive in more protected locations such as under overhangs. In addition, Pentapora foliacea was reported to be damaged by scallop dredges and mobile fishing gear, pots and creels (Bullimore, 1985; DWT, 1993; Eno et al., 1996). Mobile gears also result in modification of the substratum, including removal of shell debris, cobbles and rocks, and the movement of boulders (Bullimore, 1985; Jennings & Kaiser, 1998). Therefore, intolerance has been assessed as high.

Although being quite long-lived (10+ years) Pentapora fascialis is noted as having good reproductive and recolonization abilities, quite fast growth rates and gaining reproductive competency at an early stage (Cocito et al., 1998b). However, as the larval stage is potentially very short lived, dispersal distances may be limited (Keough & Chernoff, 1987). Local position of the adults can strongly affect the spatial pattern of larval settlement (Cocito et al., 1998b). Following almost total loss of a small population, Cocito et al., 1998b) recorded recovery and growth to original colony sizes taking only 3.5 years. In this case, reproductive adults remained nearby. If there are no remaining nearby adult populations then recovery may take much longer.

The colonies of Pentapora fascialis are permanently attached to the substratum. If displaced, the colony in not able to reform the attachment and death occurs. No information is available regarding the reproduction or dispersal abilities of this species so no assessment of recoverability can be made. However, the species may be quite long lived (10+ years) and slow growing (2 cm per year). Following loss of a population, growth to original colony sizes, after recolonization, may take some years.

Insufficient
information

Insufficient
information

Insufficient
information

Insufficient
information

Insufficient
information

The species only inhabits fully saline waters (Patzold et al., 1987) and exposure to salinity conditions outside of this range would probably result in death. Although being quite long-lived (10+ years) Pentapora fascialis is noted as having good reproductive and recolonization abilities, quite fast growth rates and gaining reproductive competency at an early stage (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). However, as the larval stage is potentially very short lived, dispersal distances may be limited (Keough & Chernoff, 1987). Local position of the adults can strongly affect the spatial pattern of larval settlement (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). Following the almost total loss of a small population, Cocito et al., 1998(b)) recorded recovery and growth to original colony sizes taking only 3.5 years. In this case, reproductive adults remained nearby. If there are no remaining nearby adult populations, as is likely with changes in salinity, then recovery may take much longer.

There is no information regarding the tolerance of Pentapora fascialis to changes in oxygen concentration. However, Cole et al., (1999) suggest possible adverse effects on marine species below 4 mg/l and probable adverse effects below 2mg/l. Although being quite long-lived (10+ years) Pentapora fascialis is noted as having good reproductive and recolonization abilities, quite fast growth rates and gaining reproductive competency at an early stage (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). However, as the larval stage is potentially very short lived, dispersal distances may be limited (Keough & Chernoff, 1987). Local position of the adults can strongly affect the spatial pattern of larval settlement (Cocito et al., 1998(b)). Following almost total loss of a small population, Cocito et al., 1998(b)) recorded recovery and growth to original colony sizes taking only 3.5 years. In this case, reproductive adults remained nearby. If there are no remaining nearby adult populations then recovery may take much longer. Some evidence is available regarding the ability of this species to repair damage to the colony by regrowth of new zooids and strengthening of the base by thickening of lower zooid walls (Hayward and Ryland, 1979).

Insufficient
information

Insufficient
information

The species has no commercial value (Sala et al., 1996) and is highly unlikely to be extracted.

Pentapora fascialis has no known obligate relationships. Extraction of other species is not likely to have any effect on Pentapora fascialis colonies.