EUNIS habitat classification 2012 amended 2019 > A - Marine habitats > A5 - Sublittoral sediment > A5.2 - Sublittoral sand > A5.22 - Sublittoral sand in variable salinity (estuaries) > A5.222 - Nephtys cirrosa and Macoma balthica in variable salinity infralittoral mobile sand

Nephtys cirrosa and Macoma balthica in variable salinity infralittoral mobile sand

English name: Nephtys cirrosa and Macoma balthica in variable salinity infralittoral mobile sand

Description (English)

Mobile sand in variable salinity conditions where tidal currents create an unstable shifting habitat. Characteristic species include the polychaetes Nephtys cirrosa and Scoloplos armiger along with amphipods of the genus Bathyporeia and Haustorius arenarius. The bivalve Macoma balthica may occur in more stable examples of this biotope, although not in the abundances found in unit A5.331. The biotope contains relatively few species, each typically in low to moderate abundance. It is found in tidal channels with moderate tidal streams. Care should be taken in identification of this biotope due to the presence juveniles and species washed in during slack water.

Source: EUNIS habitat classification

Quick facts

EUNIS habitat type code A5.222
Bern Convention Included in a Resolution 4 habitat type at a higher level (A5)

Vegetation types

Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)

Not available

Species mentioned in habitat description

Invertebrates Macoma balthica
Invertebrates Nephtys cirrosa
Invertebrates Scoloplos armiger
Species scientific name English common name Species group
Macoma balthica Invertebrates
Nephtys cirrosa Invertebrates
Scoloplos armiger Invertebrates

Other classifications

Classification Code Habitat type name Relationship type
Marine Habitat Classification Britain/Ireland 0405 SS.SSa.SSaVS.NcirMac <I>Nephtys cirrosa</I> and <I>Macoma balthica</I> in variable salinity infralittoral mobile sand source
CORINE Land Cover 5.2.3. Sea and ocean n/a
For relation to plant communities (syntaxa), see Vegetation types

History

Classification Code Habitat type name Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 A5.222 Nephtys cirrosa and Macoma balthica in variable salinity infralittoral mobile sand same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308 A4.242 Nephtys cirrosa and fluctuating salinity-tolerant fauna in reduced salinity infralittoral mobile sand same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 A4.242 Nephtys cirrosa and fluctuating salinity-tolerant fauna in reduced salinity shallow-water mobile sand same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 A4.242 Nephtys cirrosa and fluctuating salinity-tolerant fauna in reduced salinity shallow-water mobile sand same
MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland) IGS.EstGS.Ncir Nephtys cirrosa and fluctuating salinity-tolerant fauna in reduced salinity infralittoral mobile sand same
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