EUNIS habitat classification 2017 > M - Marine benthic habitats > MC5 - Circalittoral sand > MC52 - Atlantic circalittoral sand > MC521 - Faunal communities of Atlantic circalittoral sand > MC5215 - Amphiura brachiata with Astropecten irregularis and other echinoderms in circalittoral muddy sand

Amphiura brachiata with Astropecten irregularis and other echinoderms in circalittoral muddy sand

Description (English)

In shallow, circalittoral non-cohesive muddy sand (typically less than 20% silt/clay) abundant populations of the brittlestar Amphiura brachiata may occur with other echinoderms such as Astropecten irregularis, Asterias rubens, Ophiura ophiura and Echinocardium cordatum. Other infaunal species typically include Mysella bidentata, Lanice conchilega and Magelona filiformis. This biotope is likely to form part of the non-cohesive/cohesive muddy sand communities, which make up the 'off-shore muddy sand association' described by other workers (Jones 1951; Mackie 1990). It is possible that in some areas this biotope forms an epifaunal overlay which may cover a range of biotopes in years of good recruitment but does not develop into a settled or established community.

Source: EUNIS habitat classification

Quick facts

EUNIS habitat type	code MC5215
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)	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 Asterias rubens

Invertebrates Astropecten irregularis

Invertebrates Echinocardium cordatum

Invertebrates Lanice conchilega

Invertebrates Mysella bidentata

Invertebrates Ophiura ophiura

Species scientific name	English common name	Species group
Asterias rubens		Invertebrates
Astropecten irregularis		Invertebrates
Echinocardium cordatum		Invertebrates
Lanice conchilega		Invertebrates
Mysella bidentata		Invertebrates
Ophiura ophiura		Invertebrates

Other classifications

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012)	A5.262	Amphiura brachiata with Astropecten irregularis and other echinoderms in circalittoral 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	A5.262	Amphiura brachiata with Astropecten irregularis and other echinoderms in circalittoral muddy sand	same

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