Modiolus modiolus beds on open coast circalittoral mixed sediment
Description (English)
Muddy gravels and coarse sands in deeper water of continental seas may contain venerid bivalves with beds of Modiolus modiolus. The clumping of the byssus threads of the M. modiolus creates a stable habitat that attracts a very rich infaunal community with a high density of polychaete species including Glycera lapidum, Paradoneis lyra, Aonides paucibranchiata, Laonice bahusiensis, Protomystides bidentata, Lumbrineris spp., Mediomastus fragilis and syllids such as Exogone spp. and Sphaerosyllis spp. Bivalves such as Spisula elliptica, Timoclea ovata and other venerid species are also common. Brittlestars such as Amphipholis squamata may also occur with this community. This biotope is very similar to A5.451 and the 'boreal off-shore gravel association' and the 'deep Venus community' described by previous workers (Ford 1923; Jones 1951). Similar Modiolus beds (though with a less diverse infauna) on open coast stable boulders, cobbles and sediment are described under A5.621.
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
| EUNIS habitat type | code A5.622 |
|---|---|
| Bern Convention | Included in a Resolution 4 habitat type at a higher level (A5) |
Vegetation types
Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)
Not availableSpecies mentioned in habitat description
Invertebrates
Amphipholis squamata
Invertebrates
Aonides paucibranchiata
Invertebrates
Glycera lapidum
Invertebrates
Modiolus modiolus
Invertebrates
Spisula elliptica
Invertebrates
Timoclea ovata
| Species scientific name | English common name | Species group |
|---|---|---|
| Amphipholis squamata | Invertebrates | |
| Aonides paucibranchiata | Invertebrates | |
| Glycera lapidum | Invertebrates | |
| Modiolus modiolus | Invertebrates | |
| Spisula elliptica | Invertebrates | |
| Timoclea ovata | Invertebrates |
Other classifications
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Habitat Classification Britain/Ireland 0405 | SS.SBR.SMus.ModMx | <I>Modiolus modiolus</I> beds on open coast circalittoral mixed sediment | source |
| CORINE Land Cover | 5.2.3. | Sea and ocean | n/a |
| Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Habitats (UK) | 38 | Modiolus modiolus beds | wider |
History
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A5.622 | Modiolus modiolus beds on open coast circalittoral mixed sediment | same |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 | A4.442 | Modiolus modiolus beds on circalittoral mixed sediment | same |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 | A4.492 | Modiolus modiolus beds on circalittoral mixed sediment | same |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 199811 | A4.92 | Modiolus modiolus beds on circalittoral mixed sediment | same |
| MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland) | CMX.ModMx | Modiolus modiolus beds on circalittoral mixed sediment | same |
