EUNIS habitat classification 2017 > M - Marine benthic habitats > MB5 - Infralittoral sand > MB52 - Atlantic infralittoral sand > MB524 - Faunal communities on variable salinity Atlantic infralittoral sand > MB5242 - Nephtys cirrosa and Limecola balthica in variable salinity Atlantic infralittoral mobile sand

Nephtys cirrosa and Limecola balthica in variable salinity Atlantic infralittoral mobile sand

Description (English)

Mobile sand in variable salinity conditions where tidal currents create an unstable shifting habitat. Characteristic species include the polychaetes Nephtys cirrosa and Scoloplos armiger along with amphipods of the genus Bathyporeia and Haustorius arenarius. The bivalve Limecola balthica (Macoma balthica) may occur in more stable examples of this biotope, although not in the abundances found in unit MB6-241. The biotope contains relatively few species, each typically in low to moderate abundance. It is found in tidal channels with moderate tidal streams. Care should be taken in identification of this biotope due to the presence juveniles and species washed in during slack water.

Source: EUNIS habitat classification

Quick facts

EUNIS habitat type	code MB5242
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)	Estuaries	1130	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 Nephtys cirrosa

Invertebrates Scoloplos armiger

Species scientific name	English common name	Species group
Nephtys cirrosa		Invertebrates
Scoloplos armiger		Invertebrates

Other classifications

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012)	A5.222	Nephtys cirrosa and Macoma balthica in variable salinity infralittoral mobile sand	same

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

History

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410	A5.222	Nephtys cirrosa and Macoma balthica in variable salinity infralittoral mobile sand	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308	A4.242	Nephtys cirrosa and fluctuating salinity-tolerant fauna in reduced salinity infralittoral mobile sand	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202	A4.242	Nephtys cirrosa and fluctuating salinity-tolerant fauna in reduced salinity shallow-water mobile sand	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910	A4.242	Nephtys cirrosa and fluctuating salinity-tolerant fauna in reduced salinity shallow-water mobile sand	same
MNCR BioMar 97.06 (Britain & Ireland)	IGS.EstGS.Ncir	Nephtys cirrosa and fluctuating salinity-tolerant fauna in reduced salinity infralittoral mobile sand	same

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