EUNIS habitat classification 2017 > M - Marine benthic habitats > MB2 - Infralittoral biogenic habitat > MB25 - Mediterranean infralittoral biogenic habitat > MB254 - Mediterranean biogenic reefs assemblages of the fine sands in very shallow waters biocenosis > MB2541 - Mediterranean Sabellaria alveolata worm reefs

Mediterranean Sabellaria alveolata worm reefs

Description (English)

The species Sabellaria alveolata colonises very superficial coastal areas, from the low tide mark down to 3-5 metres, where wave action is stronger and moves particles of the sediments which are used by the worms to build their tubes. It also provides the organic matter on which these filter-feeders live. Sabellaria reefs are generally found along exposed sandy coasts, although their concretion does need a rocky base to start with (it may even be an artificial substrate, such as rubble or dockside structures, or small stones).

Source: EUNIS habitat classification

Quick facts

EUNIS habitat type	code MB2541
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)	Reefs	1170	Narrower	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 Sabellaria alveolata

Species scientific name	English common name	Species group
Sabellaria alveolata		Invertebrates

Other classifications

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012)	A5.612	Sabellaria alveolata on variable salinity sublittoral mixed sediment	narrower

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

History

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type	Comment
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410	A5.612	Sabellaria alveolata on variable salinity sublittoral mixed sediment	same

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