Limecola balthica and Arenicola marina in Atlantic littoral muddy sand
Description (English)
Muddy sand or fine sand, often occurring as extensive intertidal flats both on open coasts and in marine inlets. The sediment is often compacted, with a rippled surface, areas of standing water, and generally remains water-saturated during low water. Scattered stones, cobbles and boulders with attached fucoids may be present. An anoxic layer is usually present within 5cm of the sediment surface and is often visible in worm casts. The habitat may be subject to variable salinity conditions in marine inlets. The species assemblage is characterised by the lugworm Arenicola marina and the Baltic tellin Limecola balthica (Macoma balthica). The polychaetes Scoloplos armiger and Pygospio elegans are typically superabundant and common, respectively. Oligochaetes, probably mainly Tubificoides benedii and T. pseudogaster, may be common, and the cockle Cerastoderma edule may be abundant.
Situation: This unit has broad transition areas with units MA5-252 and MA5-253, which tends to occur lower down on the shore.
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
EUNIS habitat type | code MA5251 |
---|---|
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 |
---|---|---|
Arenicola marina | Invertebrates | |
Cerastoderma edule | Invertebrates | |
Macoma balthica | Invertebrates | |
Pygospio elegans | Invertebrates | |
Scoloplos armiger | Invertebrates | |
Tubificoides benedii | Invertebrates |
Other classifications
Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
---|---|---|---|
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012) | A2.241 | Macoma balthica and Arenicola marina in muddy sand shores | same |
History
Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A2.241 | Macoma balthica and Arenicola marina in muddy sand shores | same | |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 | A2.253 | Macoma balthica and Arenicola marina in muddy sand shores | same | |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 | A2.223 | Macoma balthica and Arenicola marina in muddy sand shores | same | |
MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland) | LMS.MS.MacAre | Macoma balthica and Arenicola marina in muddy sand shores | same |