Bathyporeia pilosa and Corophium arenarium in Atlantic littoral muddy sand

Wave-sheltered, mainly upper and mid shore flats of medium to fine sand, often muddy sand. The salinity, although predominantly recorded as variable, probably varies little from fully marine in these broad estuaries. The infauna is characterised by the amphipods Bathyporeia pilosa, Corophium arenarium and C. volutator, and the spire shell Hydrobia ulvae. Polychaetes and bivalves are limited in their abundance and variety, though the Baltic tellin Limecola balthica (Macoma balthica) may occur. Tidal streams may be strong during spring tides, accounting for the presence of amphipods B. pilosa that are more commonly associated with open coast sandflats.$$$Situation: This biotope is typically found higher up the shore than sandflats with the cockle Cerastoderma edule (unit MA5-252) in the large sandy estuaries of the west coast of England and Wales. In moderately exposed conditions, can occur on the mid shore below units MA5-211and/or MA5-231. In more sheltered conditions, may occur above unit MA6-223.

Código Eunis 2021: MA5254