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 A5.262 |
|---|---|
| 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
Invertebrates
Asterias rubens
Invertebrates
Astropecten irregularis
Invertebrates
Echinocardium cordatum
Invertebrates
Lanice conchilega
Invertebrates
Magelona filiformis
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 | |
| Magelona filiformis | Invertebrates | |
| Mysella bidentata | Invertebrates | |
| Ophiura ophiura | Invertebrates |
Other classifications
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Habitat Classification Britain/Ireland 0405 | SS.SSa.CMuSa.AbraAirr | <I>Amphiura brachiata</I> with <I>Astropecten irregularis</I> and other echinoderms in circalittoral muddy sand | source |
| CORINE Land Cover | 5.2.3. | Sea and ocean | n/a |
History
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A5.262 | Amphiura brachiata with Astropecten irregularis and other echinoderms in circalittoral muddy sand | same |
