Littoral S. alveolata reefs are not particularly diverse communities, they do nevertheless provide some increased diversity of habitat, and older reefs have somewhat more diverse associated communities than younger ones. Sheets of S. alveolata appear to enhance algal diversity, apparently by providing barriers to limpet grazing (Cunningham et al. 1984). Wilson (1971) noted that Fucus serratus, Fucus vesiculosus, Palmaria palmata, Polysiphonia sp., Ceramium sp., and Ulva lactuca are frequently associated with older Sabellaria colonies, and small polychaetes such as Fabricia sabella and syllids have been found living on colonies. Cunningham et al. (1984) noted up to eighteen associated animal species and twenty associated plant species, mainly on older colonies. The important animal species were all epifauna, including barnacles Cthalamus montagui, C. stellata and Semibalanus balanoides, limpets Patella vulgata, P. depressa and P. aspera, mussel Mytilus edulis, dogwhelk Nucella lapillus and serpulid worms. No rare or uncommon species have been reported to be associated with S. alveolata reefs.

Next Section                     References