Bathyporeia pilosa and Corophium arenarium in littoral muddy sand
Description (English)
Wave-sheltered, mainly upper and mid shore flats of medium to fine sand, often muddy sand. The salinity, although predominantly recorded as variable, probably varies little from fully marine in these broad estuaries. The infauna is characterised by the amphipods Bathyporeia pilosa, Corophium arenarium and C. volutator, and the spire shell Hydrobia ulvae. Polychaetes and bivalves are limited in their abundance and variety, though the Baltic tellin Macoma balthica may occur. Tidal streams may be strong during spring tides, accounting for the presence of amphipods B. pilosa that are more commonly associated with open coast sandflats.
Situation: This biotope is typically found higher up the shore than sandflats with the cockle Cerastoderma edule (unit A2.242) in the large sandy estuaries of the west coast of England and Wales. In moderately exposed conditions, can occur on the mid shore below units A2.211and/or A2.221. In more sheltered conditions, may occur above unit A2.311.
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
| EUNIS habitat type | code A2.244 |
|---|---|
| Bern Convention | Included in a Resolution 4 habitat type at a higher level (A2.2) |
Vegetation types
Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)
Not availableSpecies mentioned in habitat description
Invertebrates
Bathyporeia pilosa
Invertebrates
Cerastoderma edule
Invertebrates
Macoma balthica
| Species scientific name | English common name | Species group |
|---|---|---|
| Bathyporeia pilosa | Invertebrates | |
| Cerastoderma edule | Invertebrates | |
| Macoma balthica | Invertebrates |
Other classifications
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Habitat Classification Britain/Ireland 0405 | LS.LSa.MuSa.BatCare | <I>Bathyporeia pilosa</I> and <I>Corophium arenarium</I> in littoral muddy sand | source |
| CORINE Land Cover | 4.2.3. | Intertidal flats | n/a |
History
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A2.244 | Bathyporeia pilosa and Corophium arenarium in littoral muddy sand | same |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308 | A2.251 | Bathyporeia pilosa and Corophium arenarium in littoral muddy sand | same |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 | A2.251 | Bathyporeia spp. and Corophium spp. in upper shore slightly muddy fine sands | same |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 | A2.221 | Bathyporeia spp. and Corophium spp. in upper shore slightly muddy fine sands | same |
| MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland) | LMS.MS.BatCor | Bathyporeia spp. and Corophium spp. in upper shore slightly muddy fine sands | same |
