Brissopsis lyrifera and Amphiura chiajei in circalittoral mud
Description (English)
Mud in deep offshore, or shallower stable nearshore, waters can be characterised by the urchin Brissopsis lyrifera and the brittle star Amphiura chiajei. Where intense benthic dredge fishing activity occurs, populations of the indicator species, Brissopsis lyrifera may be depressed, although broken tests may still remain (E.I.S. Rees pers. comm. 1997; M. Costello pers. comm. 1997). Low numbers of the seapen Virgularia mirabilis may be found in many examples of this biotope. In addition, in certain areas of the UK such as the northern Irish Sea, this community may also contain Nephrops norvegicus and can consequently be the focus for fishing activity (Mackie, Oliver & Rees 1995). Infaunal species in this community are similar to those found in A5.361 and include the polychaetes Nephtys hystricis, Pectinaria belgica, Glycera spp. and Lagis koreni and the bivalves Myrtea spinifera and Nucula sulcata. This community is the 'Boreal Offshore Mud Association' and 'Brissopsis - Chiajei' communities described by other workers (Petersen 1918; Jones 1950).
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
| EUNIS habitat type | code A5.363 |
|---|---|
| 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
Nephrops norvegicus
Invertebrates
Virgularia mirabilis
| Species scientific name | English common name | Species group |
|---|---|---|
| Nephrops norvegicus | Invertebrates | |
| Virgularia mirabilis | Invertebrates |
Other classifications
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Habitat Classification Britain/Ireland 0405 | SS.SMu.CFiMu.BlyrAchi | <I>Brissopsis lyrifera</I> and <I>Amphiura chiajei</I> in circalittoral mud | source |
| CORINE Land Cover | 5.2.3. | Sea and ocean | n/a |
History
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A5.363 | Brissopsis lyrifera and Amphiura chiajei in circalittoral mud | same |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308 | A4.361 | Brissopsis lyrifera and Amphiura chiajei in circalittoral mud | same |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 | A4.361 | Brissopsis lyrifera and Amphiura chiajei in circalittoral mud | same |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 | A4.361 | Brissopsis lyrifera and Amphiura chiajei in circalittoral mud | same |
| MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland) | CMU.BriAchi | Brissopsis lyrifera and Amphiura chiajei in circalittoral mud | same |
