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
Vegetation types
Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)
Not availableSpecies mentioned in habitat description
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 |
History
Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
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 |