Sabellaria alveolata on variable salinity sublittoral mixed sediment
Description (English)
Tide-swept sandy mixed sediments with cobbles and pebbles, in variable salinity or fully marine conditions, may be characterised by surface accumulations of the reef building polychaete Sabellaria alveolata. The presence of Sabellaria sp. has a strong influence on the associated infauna as the tubes bind the surface sediments together and provide increased stability. Such reefs may form large structures up to a metre in height although they are considerably less extensive than the intertidal reefs formed by this species (unit A2.711). Other associated species may include the polychaete Melinna cristata, itself often as dense aggregations, mobile surface feeding polychaetes including Typosyllis armillary and Eulalia tripunctata. Other polychaetes may include Mediomastus fragilis and Pygospio elegans whilst amphipods such as Harpinia pectinata and tubificid oligochaetes may also be found.
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
EUNIS habitat type | code A5.612 |
---|---|
Bern Convention | Included in a Resolution 4 habitat type at a higher level (A5) |
Vegetation types
Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)
Not availableSpecies mentioned in habitat description
Species scientific name | English common name | Species group |
---|---|---|
Eulalia tripunctata | Invertebrates | |
Harpinia pectinata | Invertebrates | |
Mediomastus fragilis | Invertebrates | |
Melinna cristata | Invertebrates | |
Pygospio elegans | Invertebrates | |
Sabellaria alveolata | Invertebrates |
Other classifications
Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
---|---|---|---|
Marine Habitat Classification Britain/Ireland 0405 | SS.SBR.PoR.SalvMx | <I>Sabellaria alveolata</I> on variable salinity sublittoral mixed sediment | source |
CORINE Land Cover | 5.2.3. | Sea and ocean | n/a |
History
Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
---|---|---|---|
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A5.612 | Sabellaria alveolata on variable salinity sublittoral mixed sediment | same |