Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus assemblage on Atlantic lower bathyal sand

This biotope consists of aggregations of Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus (previously Echinus acutus norvegicus) on sand substrate. The same epifaunal assemblage is also found on mud and sand in the upper and mid bathyal but associated infauna are likely to differ. Gage (1986) reports this assemblage from 700-1400m on pelagic ooze and suggests it is present in a ribbon-like distribution around the continental margin of Europe down to about 1400m. Le Danois also describes this assemblage from 150m-500+ but emphasises that shallower than 500m Spatangus raschi dominates and below Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus dominates. Characterising species listed refer to all Gracilechinus acutus norvegicus assemblages not just those found associated with the zone and substrate specified in this biotope.

Código Eunis 2021: MF5211