1073590Edited by MartynC.110012699layer_information_pageund1449064505151991287100151991287155<p>These are most commonly found on mixed muddy gravel and sand in tide-swept narrows in sea lochs. They are formed by the intertwining of the byssus threads of <em>Limaria </em>with seaweed, maerl, shells and stones creating a unique habitat that consolidates the underlying sediments providing a surface to which other animals and plants can attach.</p> <p>They are scarce in the UK: the majority of records are from west Scotland and are considered of national importance. The most extensive beds are in Loch Sunart and Loch Fyne. Large beds once found in the Firth of Clyde have declined considerably.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> full_html<p>These are most commonly found on mixed muddy gravel and sand in tide-swept narrows in sea lochs. They are formed by the intertwining of the byssus threads of <em>Limaria </em>with seaweed, maerl, shells and stones creating a unique habitat that consolidates the underlying sediments providing a surface to which other animals and plants can attach.</p> <p>They are scarce in the UK: the majority of records are from west Scotland and are considered of national importance. The most extensive beds are in Loch Sunart and Loch Fyne. Large beds once found in the Firth of Clyde have declined considerably.</p> <p> </p> 283772flameshell.jpgpublic://flameshell.jpgimage/jpeg8362611456838733imageA Flame shall (Limaria Hians) on the seabedA Flame shall (Limaria Hians) on the seabedFlameshell - Copyright © Marine ScotlandFlameshell - Copyright © Marine Scotland<_drafty_revision_requested>FIELD_LOAD_CURRENTA Flame shall (Limaria Hians) on the seabed80053181013705145484891508150825154515514647876875877874880878sioc:Itemfoaf:Documentdc:datedc:createdxsd:dateTimedate_iso8601dc:modifiedxsd:dateTimedate_iso8601content:encodedsioc:has_creatorrelfoaf:namesioc:num_repliesxsd:integersioc:last_activity_datexsd:dateTimedate_iso8601https://marine.gov.scot/?q=information/flame-shell-beds09481510735912699publishedpublished5515199128711115199128719481510735912699publishedpublished5515199128711115199128719481510735912699publishedpublished551519912871111519912871