EUNIS habitat classification 2017 > M - Marine benthic habitats > MB5 - Infralittoral sand > MB52 - Atlantic infralittoral sand > MB523 - Faunal communities of full salinity Atlantic infralittoral sand > MB5237 - Arenicola marina in Atlantic infralittoral fine sand or muddy sand

Arenicola marina in Atlantic infralittoral fine sand or muddy sand

Description (English)

In shallow fine sand or non-cohesive muddy sand in fully marine conditions (or occasionally in variable salinity) a community characterised by the polychaete Arenicola marina may occur. This biotope appears quite faunally sparse. Those other taxa present however, include scavenging crustacea such as Pagurus bernhardus and Liocarcinus depurator, terebellid polychaetes such as Lanice conchilega and the burrowing anemone Cerianthus lloydii. Occasional Sabella pavonina and frequent Ensis spp. may also be observed in some areas. The majority of records for this biotope are derived from epifaunal surveys and consequently there is little information available for the associated infaunal species. It is possible that this biotope, like unit MB5-235 (to which it is broadly similar) is an epibiotic overlay on other sublittoral sand biotopes.
Temporal variation: At certain times of the year a diatom film may be present on the sediment surface.

Source: EUNIS habitat classification

Quick facts

EUNIS habitat type	code MB5237
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)	Sandbanks which are slightly covered by sea water all the time	1110	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 Arenicola marina

Invertebrates Lanice conchilega

Invertebrates Liocarcinus depurator

Invertebrates Sabella pavonina

Species scientific name	English common name	Species group
Arenicola marina		Invertebrates
Lanice conchilega		Invertebrates
Liocarcinus depurator		Invertebrates
Sabella pavonina		Invertebrates

Other classifications

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012)	A5.243	Arenicola marina in infralittoral fine sand or muddy sand	same

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

History

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type	Comment
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410	A5.243	Arenicola marina in infralittoral fine sand or muddy sand	same

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