Polychaetes and Angulus tenuis in Atlantic littoral fine sand
Description (English)
This biotope occurs on the mid and lower shore on moderately wave-exposed and sheltered coasts, with predominantly fine sand which remains damp throughout the tidal cycle. The sediment is often rippled, and an anoxic layer may occasionally occur below a depth of 10 cm, though it is often patchy. The infaunal community is dominated by the abundant bivalve Angulus tenuis together with a range of polychaetes. The presence of polychaetes may be seen as coloured burrows running down from the surface of the sediment. Polychaetes that are characterising for this biotope include Nephtys cirrosa, Paraonis fulgens and Spio filicornis. Burrowing amphipods Bathyporeia spp. may occur in some samples of this biotope.
Situation: Where it occurs under moderately exposed conditions, units MA5-2332, MA5-2411 or MA5-2321 may be present higher up on the shore than this unit. Where it occurs under more sheltered conditions, it may occur below or alongside muddy sand biotopes such as units MA5-252 and MA5-254.
Temporal variation: The infauna of this biotope may be reduced during winter, as increased storminess and wave action increases sediment mobility and may lead to some species migrating or being washed out of the sediment.
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
EUNIS habitat type | code MA52412 |
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Relation to | Resolution 4 habitat type (used for designation of Emerald sites) |
Legal status
Relation to other habitat types mentioned in legal instruments
Vegetation types
Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)
Not availableSpecies mentioned in habitat description
Species scientific name | English common name | Species group |
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Nephtys cirrosa | Invertebrates | |
Spio filicornis | Invertebrates |
Other classifications
Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
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EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012) | A2.2312 | Polychaetes and Angulus tenuis in littoral fine sand | same |
History
Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type | Comment |
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EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A2.2312 | Polychaetes and Angulus tenuis in littoral fine sand | same |