Mysella bidentata and Thyasira spp. in circalittoral muddy mixed sediment
Description (English)
In moderately exposed or sheltered, circalittoral muddy sands and gravels a community characterised by the bivalves Thyasira spp. (often Thyasira flexuosa), Mysella bidentata and Prionospio fallax may develop. Infaunal polychaetes such as Lumbrineris gracilis, Chaetozone setosa and Scoloplos armiger are also common in this community whilst amphipods such as Ampelisca spp. and the cumacean Eudorella truncatula may also be found in some areas. The brittlestar Amphiura filiformis may also be abundant at some sites. Conspicuous epifauna may include encrusting bryozoans Escharella spp. particularly Escharella immersa and, in shallower waters, maerl (Phymatolithon calcareum), although at very low abundances and not forming maerl beds.
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
| EUNIS habitat type | code A5.443 |
|---|---|
| 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
Algae
Phymatolithon calcareum
Invertebrates
Amphiura filiformis
Invertebrates
Chaetozone setosa
Invertebrates
Escharella immersa
Invertebrates
Eudorella truncatula
Invertebrates
Lumbrineris gracilis
Invertebrates
Mysella bidentata
Invertebrates
Prionospio fallax
Invertebrates
Scoloplos armiger
Invertebrates
Thyasira flexuosa
| Species scientific name | English common name | Species group |
|---|---|---|
| Phymatolithon calcareum | Algae | |
| Amphiura filiformis | Invertebrates | |
| Chaetozone setosa | Invertebrates | |
| Escharella immersa | Invertebrates | |
| Eudorella truncatula | Invertebrates | |
| Lumbrineris gracilis | Invertebrates | |
| Mysella bidentata | Invertebrates | |
| Prionospio fallax | Invertebrates | |
| Scoloplos armiger | Invertebrates | |
| Thyasira flexuosa | Invertebrates |
Other classifications
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Habitat Classification Britain/Ireland 0405 | SS.SMx.CMx.MysThyMx | <I>Mysella bidentata</I> and <I>Thyasira</I> spp. in circalittoral muddy 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 | A5.443 | Mysella bidentata and Thyasira spp. in circalittoral muddy mixed sediment | same |
