EUNIS habitat classification 2017 > M - Marine benthic habitats > MA5 - Littoral sand > MA52 - Atlantic littoral sand > MA525 - Polychaete/bivalve-dominated Atlantic littoral muddy sand > MA5254 - Bathyporeia pilosa and Corophium arenarium in Atlantic littoral muddy sand

Bathyporeia pilosa and Corophium arenarium in Atlantic 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 Limecola balthica (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 MA5-252) 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 MA5-211and/or MA5-231. In more sheltered conditions, may occur above unit MA6-223.

Source: EUNIS habitat classification

Quick facts

EUNIS habitat type	code MA5254
Relation to	Resolution 4 habitat type (used for designation of Emerald sites)

Legal status

Relation to other habitat types mentioned in legal instruments

Legal text	Annex	Name in legal text	Code in legal text	Habitat type relationship	More information
Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats	Revised Annex I of Resolution 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention on endangered natural habitats types using the EUNIS habitat classification (year of revision 2010)	Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide	1140	Overlap	https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc....ckColorLogged=FDC864 Resolution No. 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention lists endangered natural habitats requiring specific conservation measures [and the designation of Areas of Special Conservation Interest (ASCIs) forming the Emerald network]
Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats	Revised Annex I of Resolution 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention on endangered natural habitats types using the EUNIS habitat classification (year of revision 2010)	Large shallow inlets and bays	1160	Overlap	https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc....ckColorLogged=FDC864 Resolution No. 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention lists endangered natural habitats requiring specific conservation measures [and the designation of Areas of Special Conservation Interest (ASCIs) forming the Emerald network]

Vegetation types

Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)

Not available

Species mentioned in habitat description

Invertebrates Bathyporeia pilosa

Invertebrates Cerastoderma edule

Invertebrates Corophium arenarium

Invertebrates Hydrobia ulvae

Invertebrates Macoma balthica

Species scientific name	English common name	Species group
Bathyporeia pilosa		Invertebrates
Cerastoderma edule		Invertebrates
Corophium arenarium		Invertebrates
Hydrobia ulvae		Invertebrates
Macoma balthica		Invertebrates

Other classifications

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012)	A2.244	Bathyporeia pilosa and Corophium arenarium in littoral muddy sand	same

For relation to plant communities (syntaxa), see Vegetation types

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

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